Interpreter Classes and 5 Tips For Improving Public Speaking Skills

Interpreter classes- whether it's medical interpreter training online, legal interpreter training or another class entirely- becoming an interpreter involves mastering a variety of different skills. From stress management to getting comfortable speaking in public to enunciating and becoming an expert at simultaneous interpreting, there are a million individual skills that contribute to becoming an expert interpreter. All of our interpreter classes are taught by expert instructors✅ who have designed unique curriculum to give students the best training possible for their new careers. Other online programs only offer their online interpreter training in a self-guided format; which means their students learn all the material from a computer or book without the guidance of an instructor. Their students often come to us after the fact, because their translator certification training unfortunately was not sufficient for official state licensure exams. By taking a different approach to online interpreter training classes, we are able to host LIVE webinar style classes✅ that give our students the convenience of remote learning while offering all the benefits of having a seasoned instructor who can provide correction in the moment, and answer questions as they come up organically.

When enrolled in any interpreter certification class, different students struggle with different elements of the curriculum. Some may have a thicker accent and may need more guidance with pronunciation. Others find that learning how to become comfortable with public speaking is far more challenging. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that an estimated 73% of the population struggles with public speaking anxiety. With an affliction so pervasive, the odds are high that someone considering a career in interpreting also has a fear of public speaking. So what can you do about it?

5 tips to improve public skills while taking interpreter classes online...

1️⃣ Record yourself🎥

If you plan on becoming an interpreter in these modern times, you can't be camera shy. In addition to our LIVE webinar style online classes, most interpreters utilize VRI & OPI (Video Remote Interpreting & Over the Phone Interpreting) technology every day. Being comfortable on camera, and recording yourself practicing interpreting skills at home can help you start to get more comfortable speaking in public.

2️⃣ Non-native English speakers: seek extra help 👩🏻‍🏫

Everyone has an accent whether you realize it or not. When your career is to speak and understand others, you have an obligation to ensure you are also easily understood. For non-native English speakers, seeking extra help with accent reduction classes can build confidence when speaking in public and working.

3️⃣ Practice makes perfect! 🏆

The more you practice, the better you will become at interpreting and the better you are the more comfortable you will be with public speaking. When watching TV at home, practice interpreting the actors' lines into your target language of choice.

4️⃣ Get a partner 👫

By practicing with someone else - a friend, family member or classmate - you can receive in-the-moment feedback if something was pronounced wrong or something was missed.

5️⃣ Get curious 📚

Confidence will come with time. In the meantime, whenever you hear a word you don't recognize- look that word up in the dictionary or on google. Try to find synonyms for it and use them in context. The bigger your vocabulary is, the easier your job will be.

Our online interpreter classes are taught by expert instructors ✅ who have real-world experience in their interpreting specialty. They have worked hard to make fully remote online courses unique and engaging ✅ through a hands-on approach to remote learning. All of our online interpreting courses are 100% LIVE via video conferencing technology✅to provide students the best remote experience possible, with the advantages of having an in person class. If you or someone you know is interested in our unique and engaging online Medical Interpreter Training Programs with live instructors, classes are offered in Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Farsi, French, Hindi, Korean, Somali, Urdu, Ukrainian languages online and onsite.