ONE Short-Term Memory Exercise for Consecutive Interpreters

Takeaways

• 😀 Interpreters can improve their short-term memory through a simple exercise involving watching videos and interpreting in real-time.
• 😀 This exercise can be customized by choosing videos of any genre or length, allowing flexibility in practice.
• 😀 For beginners, the exercise starts with short time slots of 5 minutes, with gradual increases over time as the short-term memory improves.
• 😀 The exercise involves pausing the video after a short segment (10 seconds at first, gradually increasing) and interpreting what was heard in the target language.
• 😀 Beginners may need help pausing the video or using notes, but the goal is to develop the skill of interpreting without overly relying on notes.
• 😀 As short-term memory improves, interpreters should aim for longer practice sessions, up to 10-20 minutes per session, and take notes more selectively.
• 😀 Experienced interpreters can listen to longer segments, such as interviews, which challenge their memory and ability to interpret both ideas and details.
• 😀 Effective note-taking is important but should not overshadow the development of short-term memory, which should complement the use of notes.
• 😀 The brain needs time to adjust to the new challenge, so consistency and gradual progress are key to improving interpreting skills.
• 😀 The speaker shared their personal experience as a beginner interpreter, emphasizing that improvement in short-term memory and note-taking can happen quickly with practice, even within months.

Q & A

What is the main exercise suggested for improving short-term memory as an interpreter?

The exercise involves selecting three or four videos on YouTube, each about an hour long, and practicing interpreting them. Start with short time intervals, such as five minutes, gradually increasing the time as you improve.

How should beginners approach the exercise if they are just starting out?

Beginners should focus on watching videos for short intervals, such as five minutes, and then gradually increase the playback time to 12–13 seconds. They should interpret right after pausing the video, and may also take notes as they become more comfortable.

Is there a recommended time for practicing the exercise each day?

Yes, it is recommended to practice three times a day for five-minute intervals when starting out. As you progress, you can increase the time slots and practice for longer periods, such as 10–20 minutes.

How does increasing the time of practice benefit interpreters?

Increasing the practice time helps to strengthen short-term memory and improve the ability to interpret longer segments of speech, making the interpreter more efficient and capable of handling complex interpreting situations.

What role does note-taking play in the memory exercise for interpreters?

Note-taking helps interpreters support their memory, especially as they interpret more complex content. However, the goal is to develop the ability to rely on short-term memory and use notes minimally.

Why are interviews considered the best type of material for practicing interpretation?

Interviews are ideal because they often feature longer segments of speech, with the speaker answering questions for more than a minute at a time. This allows interpreters to rely on both short-term memory and notes, simulating real-world interpreting situations.

What advice does the speaker give to more experienced interpreters?

Experienced interpreters should aim for longer practice sessions, such as 20–30 minutes a day, and focus on interpreting materials that challenge their memory and note-taking skills.

How does short-term memory development affect interpreting skills?

Short-term memory development enables interpreters to handle longer phrases and complex ideas without relying solely on notes. It allows them to interpret fluidly and naturally, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of their work.

What is the significance of the speaker’s personal story about their early experience with interpreting?

The speaker’s personal story highlights that even beginners can improve their interpreting skills relatively quickly. It took them a few months to improve their short-term memory and note-taking skills, demonstrating that consistent practice leads to rapid progress.

How can watching previous videos of the speaker help interpreters in their practice?

The speaker’s previous videos, especially those under the 'interpreter in action' series, allow learners to observe real-time interpretation, providing practical examples and insights to aid in their own practice and improvement.