The most popular form of interpreting is simultaneous interpreting. We see this all the time, especially on television. Remember the latest Ms. World pageants? Where almost all the candidates needed interpreters to stand beside them and interpret all the words that they said at the question and answer portion. As you watch T.V. it may seem that simultaneous interpreting is easy, since the interpreters make it seem that they have memorized the perfect answer to the judge's question. But no, it is not easy at all. Many fail in this kind of translation because in this form of interpreting an answer is needed on the spot, you should think fast, just as if you already know what your client is thinking.
So how do you get ready for simultaneous interpreting? Imagine joining an extemporaneous speech contest wherein you have to think of an answer right away. The same thing applies for simultaneous interpreting. But many get the jitters, and start to become nervous once they are put on the spot.
As a beginner, here are some simple ways to calm your nerves so that you don't lose yourself the moment you are required to do simultaneous interpreting:
Take a deep breath
This is almost always effective whenever you need to calm down your nerves. In simultaneous interpreting, your nerves will always get the best of you. It's important to stay calm and composed and to listen to every word your client will say, and as he or she utters a word, you can now start to make the sentences up in your head. For people who have been doing this for a long time, they have gone past the deep breaths and calming of nerves. All you have to do is let yourself get used to these situations.
Listen
Aside from composing yourself during simultaneous interpreting sessions, you also have to listen clearly to your client. Sometimes, when an interpreter starts thinking, and starts interpreting the words in his head, he misses some of the words that his or her client is saying. So the best thing to do is to finish the whole sentence and then start thinking. Panicking in your head is not a good idea since you can mix the words up and end up saying something totally different from what your client has told you.
Practice
Simultaneous interpreting entails constant practice. You can try watching the television and imagine that the person talking on T.V. is your client and you will translate every word he or she is saying. You can also try listening to tape recorded sentences and playing them on your computer; try to translate the words and let yourself get accustomed to that. At first you can start with slow and short sentences, and then progress to longer sentences which need faster simultaneous translating. The more times you practice the better you will get. Although nothing beats the real thing. You can also try to get more invites to be a simultaneous interpreter so you can get accustomed to the pressure of this type of translating.
Don't rush
Although simultaneous interpreting services need to be fast and efficient. It is also important not to rush, but this does not mean that you have to take long pauses. After every sentence that your client says, you can pause for 1 to 3 seconds, just to relax and compose yourself, and then you can start talking. You can also speak with your client, and request them to speak in short quick phrases, this will help you a lot when it comes to simultaneous interpreting since it rids yourself of that panicked feeling, and helps you concentrate more.