Sessions

- From receiving assignments to receiving payments
- Countermeasures for the Dramatically Changing Interpreting Market
- Strategies for Improving Interpreter-audience Relationship

Things you should know before becoming a freelance interpreter in the United States
- From receiving assignments to receiving payments -
What is the general process of freelance interpreters' work in the US?
What are the steps to take before starting a business?
What are the things to clarify when you receive an inquiry or a firm request?
What are the things that need to be done after completing an assignment?
By looking back on my personal experiences, I put together a list of basic points such as the above which I wish I had known before starting a freelance business in the US. I hope that my presentation will be helpful for those who are interested in freelance interpretation and those who are planning on becoming a freelance interpreter in the US. 

Countermeasures for the Dramatically Changing Interpreting Market
When I look back at my 18-year career, the interpreting market has drastically changed. Several important factors have caused this change, including the significant improvement of Japanese clients' English proficiency, the increased number of skilled interpreters, changes in the clients' requirements and the fact that computers now penetrate every corner of society.
What should we do to respond to this dramatically changing market? My presentation will focus on my insights regarding recommended countermeasures to take in order to maintain and grow the current interpreting market, comparison between freelance interpreting in the US vs. Japan and the required skills and abilities of the interpreters.

Strategies for Improving Interpreter-audience Relationship
What strategies can on-site interpreters in the manufacturing industry use to gain adequate buy-in from an audience whose priority is not the role of the interpreter or the quality of his/her work?
Some of the challenges in on-site interpreting are often related to the audience’s indifference about interpreting and/or its consequences. In these situations their values, respect, and interests are not aligned with our efforts to provide the best interpreting possible. Difficulties arise for the interpreter when this disagreement manifests itself in the audience’s words and actions
.Although we are not supposed to interfere, mediate or advocate while interpreting due to our ethical responsibilities, professionalism and commitment to our role as interpreters, appealing to the audience’s interests from their standpoint can help fill the gap and consequently yield better results overall.
In my career as an interpreter predominantly in the manufacturing sector, I have learned and tried a few practical strategies on the field with varying degrees of success. This presentation will share these with attendees, focusing particularly on the more successful strategies.

Speakers

Etsuko Good

Noriko Rogers

Masako Shoji Essick