How to be a great relay (long version)

The Complete Interpreter

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15d ago 1:22:33

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Hi! Welcome to the Complete Interpreter podcast by the Interpreting Coach.

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Sign up for my workshop on salami technique, 8th May 2025 6.30 pm (UK)
Why 'Complete Interpreter'? Because you're not just a translation machine, you're also a person and a business owner, and I hope to help you take a 360 view of yourself and share some great tried-and-tested strategies to improve your interpreting skills, mindset, use of target language, and marketing.

This episode is about relay: what annoys you when you're taking relay, what you find helpful, and your tips for being a good relay for other interpreters.

It covers the same content as a shorter episode, but with more thoughts, stories, explanations...and echoey sound! You can find the shorter version here.

This was the first time I ran a survey so I could incorporate your thoughts and experiences into the podcast, and I really enjoyed it! Many thanks to everyone who contributed.

Your top pet peeves were:

Relay too fast/read out
"undigested", relay follows syntax of original, leaves words in original language etc.
unclear pronunciation/strong accent
too hesitant, lots of pauses
unfinished sentences
mumbling/poor enunciation
convoluted syntax, chaotic
not quick enough off the mark, or not releasing the channel fast enough at the end

The top things you found helpful when taking relay were:

"cleaning up" the output, i.e. salami/adding structure/KISS - basically, not being a parrot
clarity, avoiding ambiguity
pronunciation, especially of NAMES, figures, difficult concepts
clear enunciation
all sentences finished, complete ideas
'good pace' - even
simple language, avoiding idioms
calm and confident
summarising/being concise
pausing between sentences, or using intonation to separate ideas
good intonation

More than 3/4 of respondents said they adapt their output when they know they are being taken on relay. Here are the top suggestions:

Chunking!! Keep sentences short, with simple grammar.
Remove padding and stick to the main point (i.e. simplify, edit)
Pronounce names especially clearly (slow down); figures too
Slow down
Avoid weird and wonderful idioms
Stay calm even if you don't feel calm
Start quickly - don't leave relay-takers hanging

Some of the resources I mentioned in the podcast:

My podcast episode about clarity in simultaneous
My podcast episode about being concise in simultaneous
This LinkedIn post by Ilhem Bezzaoucha about catching names when interpreting

Support the show

My website and blog: https://theinterpretingcoach.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/interpretingcoach/
Twitter: @terpcoach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-interpreting-coach/
Or email me at [email protected]

Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Things you find difficult when taking relay (00:08:46)

3. Things you find helpful when taking relay (00:38:00)

4. Adapting your output when being taken on relay (00:49:50)

5. Tips from survey respondents (01:10:55)

6. How to provide a great relay (01:15:48)

7. My upcoming workshop on salami technique (01:20:28)

57 episodes

#Podcasting Education #Sophie Llewellyn Smith #Interpreting #Simultaneous #Interpreting Skills #Mindset #Stress Management #Consecutive #Notes