The Interpreter’s Race to Keep Up with Energetic Speakers
Ever tried interpreting a speaker who’s all energy and no pause button? Between passion, pace, and pure unpredictability, it’s a battle of focus and control. Here’s what it’s like to keep your cool and your syntax when the stage is on fire.
Nourhane Atmani
Oct 29, 20254 min read
Starting over ... does it ever end?
It seems like it never will... Before I graduated with my M.A. in Conference Interpreting, I thought building a career from the ground up was a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so I gave it my all. I accepted low rates to gain experience, took on assignments I wasn’t particularly aligned with just to build a portfolio, and spent countless sleepless nights working on projects that barely covered a day’s expenses. All the while thinking: this is just a once-in-a-lifetime thing. And th
Nourhane Atmani
Sep 15, 20253 min read
Did I Really Just Say That? - Interpreting Edition
Mistakes happen—even in the booth! Own it, fix it, and move on. Interpreting is about recovery, not perfection.
Nourhane Atmani
Mar 19, 20254 min read
We are interpreters, NOT experts!
It seems like every time I try to explain to a client that I am " only an interpreter, " not an expert, they interpret it as though I’m saying, “ I don’t know anything about the field you’re hiring me for, and I am going to mess up your event .” Why can’t clients take our words at face value? Interpreters are not subject matter experts. We are not mechanical engineers, doctors, scientists, or lawyers. We are interpreters who, depending on our speciality, understand the jargon
Nourhane Atmani
Jan 13, 20253 min read
When to Pull the Lever: Recognizing Burnout
Before you start reading, just know this article is all about rambling, ranting, and blowing off steam. Nothing really informative here!
Nourhane Atmani
Nov 14, 20242 min read
Rebuilding My Client Base: Round Two!
As a freelancer building a steady client base is key to achieving professional stability. Establishing mutual trust with clients takes time, effort, and dedication—but it's essential for lasting partnerships and consistent work. Landing in Ottawa was a reality check, a fresh start in every sense. All the networking, all the client connections I’d spent years building, felt like they’d evaporated the moment I stepped onto Canadian soil. Despite the achievements I had back in A
Nourhane Atmani
Nov 6, 20245 min read
