Coaching Interpreters

by Margaret Styles Repath

Performing the role of a coach for interpreters is more than just knowing about interpretation theory and skills. It is about understanding relationships, supporting the agenda of those being coached, listening for cues, and being an accountability partner. In the field of interpretation, it is not unusual for the role of a coach and a mentor to be confused with one another. An experienced interpreter is prepared to share his or her professional wisdom and experiences with new interpreters. Yet, just like interpretation, the key to effective coaching is to understand the audience, which in this case is the one being coached, known as the client. Based on more than 200 hours of coaching tour guides and interpreters, this is the first book to provide the profession of interpretation with a more precise understanding of what it takes to coach others in a way that will enhance interpretation skills and, ultimately, the audience experience.

142 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2018

Reviews

[Elena Fryer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book because I work with other interpreters in my current position. I am the most experienced and many of them are new to this type of work. I know I will need to train and mentor them. This book is more about coaching like the title says. After reading it I can see how the coaching model would be very beneficial. Coaching gives the clients more incentive to improve because they are choosing what is important to them and what they want to work on instead of someone telling them what they did wrong. I will use the information I've learned in the book to help me work with my colleagues. It doesn't fit my situation perfectly because I need to be a mentor/trainer as well.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read with good advice. Shows the difference between supervisior, mentor, and coach - which I had been interchanging.