Everything you ever wanted to know about consecutive interpreting

… and some things you didn't want to know about consecutive interpreting will be presented to you by Ciklopea's translator and partner Biserka Tomljenović Biba from Žiraha Usluge d.o.o.

Interview with a consecutive interpreter
 

Biserka Tomljenović

Why did you become a consecutive interpreter and what path did you take to get to this point in your career?
I never planned it, I was lucky to live in the US when I was a child for a while and to have a talent for consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. My path? Hm.. actually I thought I was on the path to Memphis, but somehow I ended up here… I am still puzzled, but when I look back it was all about doing my best and being flexible, being open to new experiences, curiosity and capacity to endure the bumpy road sometimes.
 
How did you land your first consecutive interpreting job?
A friend called me and asked me for a favor just to assist some people who speak English, nothing special, just in case if they needed me. It ended up being 8 hour simultaneous translation daily, without equipment, standing beside the lecturer. A weekend workshop held by Graham Barnes on “Psychotherapy of Cybernetics”.  So, my first job ever and experience with simultaneous interpretation was a misunderstanding. And actually, my entire career depends on this one moment, when Graham Barnes asked me :  “You do simultaneous translation?” I looked at him semi-paralysed and responded: “Yes, of course”. I was 22 years old, never had any experience in interpreting, I never intended to do this, nor did I dream that I can, but I had the guts to try... when he started speaking, words started coming out of my mouth… and the rest is history..

What has been your biggest professional challenge?
Working for Ministry of Justice during the final phase of pre-accession negotiations. High level meetings on sensitive topics, often more than just excellent translation was necessary. The ability to reproduce the same tone of voice, emotion, emphasize the key issues, pay attention to non verbal signs.. It was complex, interesting and challenging, but very rewarding. I learned a lot.
 
On that note, what has been your biggest professional reward?
The feeling after I do a really good job. When I see that my contribution was really significant. 

What advice would you give to an up and coming consecutive interpreter?
Get up and come!
 
Are there any pitfalls to avoid in the translation business?
Yes, but you only truly find about them when you fall in.
 
What are the personal qualities or skills that make a successful interpreter?
All good interpreters I know  enjoy their job, they are great in coping with stress and not afraid to make a mistake.
 
What is your funniest translation story?
Ok, it was not funny, but it shows what our job can sometimes include….  when my colleague fainted in the back room watching me interpreting for the veterinary inspectors while touring the slaughter house during pig slaughtering. 

What do you do when you are not working?
Having fun, raising my kids, nothing special..
 
Write the first 10 words that first pop into your head
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10