SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETING IN AN INSTANT: WHAT DOES AN INTERPRETER REALLY FACE?

Elvira Imanova spoke about some unexpected situations, real-life experience, and the hidden side of the profession.
During the meeting, Elvira Imanova shared a story from her professional practice: without any prior notice, she suddenly had to step in as a simultaneous interpreter at a high-level meeting. There was virtually no time to prepare. Nevertheless, she made an instant decision, entered the booth, and handled the entire process with remarkable professionalism.
This example clearly shows one thing: interpreting is far more than simply speaking the language.
At the meeting held on April 9, 2026, participants had the opportunity to see the profession not from the outside, but through the lens of a real working environment. Drawing on many years of experience, Elvira Imanova spoke about the unseen aspects of interpreting and the essential skills required to succeed in this field.
According to her, a good interpreter must:
— think quickly
— make instant decisions
 — stay focused while managing the entire process
At the same time, terminological accuracy, active listening, memory techniques, and professional ethics remain indispensable elements of the profession.
The meeting was held in an interactive format. Participants discussed real-life scenarios, asked questions, and gained a much deeper understanding of the field.
By the end of the session, one idea had become especially clear to everyone: interpreting is not an easy profession, but for those who are ready to meet its challenges, it offers truly remarkable opportunities.