Finding the Right Booth Partner: More Than Just Skills
Coming back from a recent three-day training on safety, risk management, and protection mechanisms, I’ve been reflecting on how much the experience was shaped—not only by the content, but by the people I worked alongside. I had the privilege of partnering with a dear colleague and close friend, and it reminded me of something we don’t talk about often enough in our field: the importance of choosing the right professional colleagues. In interpreting, collaboration is not optional—it’s essential. And yet, finding the right partner is not always straightforward. In my experience, strong interpreting partnerships rest on three key conditions: technical competence, professional integrity, and personal compatibility.
First and foremost, interpreting requires a high level of knowledge. This goes beyond strong language and communication skills—though those are, of course, non-negotiable. I am also referring to solid world knowledge, which helps in navigating complex topics, cultural references, and nuanced discussions in real time. On top of that is mastery of simultaneous interpreting itself: the ability to listen, process, and deliver meaning accurately, on the fly, and under pressure.
Equally important is professionalism and ethical integrity. Interpreting is built on trust: from clients, from speakers, and from fellow interpreters. A strong colleague shows up prepared, respects confidentiality and ethical standards, communicates clearly, and upholds professional expectations even in challenging situations. Knowing that your booth partner shares your commitment to doing the right thing creates a sense of stability that is invaluable during demanding assignments.
The third condition, often underestimated, is personal compatibility—and in my opinion, it is just as important as the other two. Interpreting is an intensely collaborative profession, especially in team settings. We rely on each other for support, terminology, and quick problem-solving. We spend hours, days, sometimes weeks, in a roughly 6ft x 6ft x 6ft booth. Good social skills—clear communication, adaptability, mutual respect, professionalism—make a real difference in how smoothly a job runs. A colleague who is easy to work with, professional, receptive, and emotionally intelligent can elevate the entire experience.
The challenge, of course, is that finding professionals who consistently bring all three is not always easy. Each of us has different strengths, and those strengths may show up differently depending on the context or the demands of a given assignment. For instance, someone with strong technical skills may need more time to find their rhythm in a team, just as someone with strong collaborative instincts may still be refining certain aspects of their technique. This is part of the natural diversity within our profession, which is why, when given the choice, we often prefer to work with trusted colleagues. That said, when you do find colleagues whose skills, integrity, and working style align well with your own—grounded in shared professional values, mutual trust, and open communication—it’s something truly special.
And this doesn’t just benefit the interpreters—it directly impacts the success of the event itself. When the team dynamic is strong, it shows. Delivery feels smoother, transitions more natural, and the overall energy more cohesive. Audiences may not always be able to explain why an event feels particularly well executed, but they notice it. A solid interpreting team adds an invisible layer of quality that enhances the entire experience, reinforcing the value we bring as professionals.
If you are planning a multilingual event and want to ensure communication works as intended from the start, feel free to reach out.
