With AI and automation moving fast, it’s worth pausing to ask: What parts of interpreting still feel deeply, undeniably human to you?
Is it the way we hold space during emotional moments? The cultural cues we pick up without words?The trust we build, person to person?
Take a breath and reflect—we’d love to know what stands out to you.
What am I carrying that was never mine to hold? Where in my body do I feel that weight?And what might it feel like to gently let it go?
Take a moment to breathe into that awareness. Release with intention. Reclaim your center.
Interpreting Mantra: “I can hold space without holding everything. My presence is powerful enough.”
Take a moment to think about how your emotional intelligence showed up during your last team assignment.
Did you notice any areas where you were able to improve your collaboration skills, or any areas where you could develop further?
Share your experience!
For those of you who went to the 'Building Effective Interpreting Teams' workshop, think about your role in interpreting teams. How do you build trust and respect with your team members? Share one insight from the workshop that you’re excited to apply to your next team interaction.
As interpreters, our brains are constantly doing the impossible—processing, feeling, translating, regulating—all in real time. But here’s the thing we often forget:
Emotional intelligence isn’t a soft skill—it’s an essential communication skill.
Reflection Prompt:
Think back to your most recent interpreting experience.
What was the emotional tone of the room?
How did it affect your presence, choices, or energy?
How do you navigate tone, body language, or facial expressions—especially across cultures or modalities (like VRI, VRS, or DeafBlind interpreting)?
The best way to learn about other cultures during your work is by surrounding yourself around those cultures outside of your work. That is when you are able to apply in practice what you have learned in its natural enviroment.
We’re thrilled to have so many new people join our community! This is your space to grow, connect, and thrive as interpreters. Whether you're here to sharpen your skills, boost your emotional intelligence, or find your people—you're in the right place.
Let’s break the ice!
Drop a comment below and share:
Your name and where you're from
Your favorite interpreting memory or a fun fact about you
What you're hoping to learn or gain from this group
Hi There! My name is Barbara Lewis and I'm from Long Island. I started my journey as an interpreter in 2007. I took a 4 year hiatus to serve as an EA to the CEO of a Deaf owned company. While still using my ASL skills everyday, it wasn't te same as being out in the field. My first job back was with a consumer I worked with many times in the past. It was a very happy reunion, however, I'm a bit rusty and really need to sharpen both my signing and receptive skills. I'm so happy to be here!
I do mostly medical interpreting. It always feels human, intimate and sometimes emotional