Stress, interpersonal communication and assertiveness training in public service interpreting

Abstract

The learning /training required to become a professional interpreter must involve raising awareness and understanding of a set of especific competencies that go beyond just cognitive skills, that is, technical skills of knowledge of te subject. The acquisition and development of behavioural competencies are also needed to manage the different factors that induce stress, as and when they arise. In this chapter the focus on interpersonal communication as a fundamental competency within the profession of public service interpreting (PSI). More specifically, the focus is on the assertiveness training as a basic tool to improve the interpersonal communication skills of interpreters and to assist them in overcoming the various stress factors that can and do oppear in the professonal practice of PSI.