Improving the Interpreter’s Voice

Simultaneous and consecutive interpreters must master control of their voice if they want to achieve perfection in the art of interpretation. This unique collaboration between a conference interpreter who teaches simultaneous and consecutive interpretation and an actor who teaches public speaking and accent reduction for interpreters summarizes decades of experience in teaching interpretation, improving the voice, and mastering vocal techniques. The authors explore critical concepts such as: • finding your natural fundamental frequency so your voice is less subject to stress and fatigue; • using the fall intonation and nuclear tones to have more flexibility in simultaneous interpretation; and • giving listeners what they expect, minimizing a foreign accent, and using pauses appropriately.