Note-taking Fundamentals for Interpreters

Note-taking Fundamentals for Interpreters: A Path to Success in Any Setting

If you perform consecutive interpreting, you’ll need to take notes. Consecutive note-taking is a technique that can be learned and practiced. It is not magical or mysterious. Every interpreter develops a unique relationship with the technique, but the steps are the same for everyone. 

This course is based on international best practices for note-taking in conference interpreting. The skills are adapted for medical, legal, community and business interpreting. The program addresses:

• Techniques to structure your notes
• Symbols and how to use them
• When and what to take notes on
• How to benefit from ongoing practice
• Exercises to improve your memory and active listening skills.

Strong note-taking skills lead to smoother and more accurate interpreting. Don’t miss this workshop.

Katharine Allen, MA, is an international leader in community and medical interpreting and a 2021 winner of ATA’s most prestigious award, the Alexander Gode medal, for co-founding InterpretAmerica.

Feedback from our participants:

"I loved everything about this course and felt like I got so much out of it! I thought all of the practice activities were great and will definitely be slowly implementing into my job." 

"This was a great course to help me better my note taking skills. It helped me to learn what I should focus on and what the idea of note-taking is in general so that I can improve what I have already built upon." 

"I was very negative about taking notes before the course, now I feel more confident and excited about learning more and practice a lot. Thank you very much." 

Instructor: Katharine Allen, MA, Founder, Words Across Borders

Class Schedule: Fall 2022: Exact dates to be determined. Contact us for a spot on the waitlist.

Timetable: 12:00-5:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m.-2:00p.m. PT) with a break from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. PT)

CEUs: 

• Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI): 4 CE hours
• International Medical Interpreters Association: 0.4 IMIA/NBCMI CEUs
• American Translators Association: 4 ATA CEPs
• Maryland Court Interpreter Program: 4 CE credits

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the role of consecutive note-taking in consecutive interpreting, regardless of interpreting specialization.
2. Practice Rozan’s 7 steps for consecutive note-taking.
3. Use a strategic approach to developing symbols and abbreviations for any subject area.

Participant requirements:

• Completion of a minimum of 40-hours of interpreter training
• Medical, social services or educational interpreting experience

Technical requirements:

• Desktop or laptop computer (recommend i5 processor or above) with webcam (The course may not be taken on a tablet, phone or other small device.)
• Zoom (Updated Version)
• Chrome or Firefox (Updated Version)
• Quality headset with boom mounted microphone Advice on choosing a headset.
• High speed internet (minimum 5 mbps upload/10 download) Test Your Speed.
• Ethernet cable (Must connect computer directly to router. Minimum quality CAT6)*
• Ethernet to USB adapter (if needed)*
• External Monitor*

*Recommended but not required

This course is limited to 20 participants. Once the course has reached capacity, those interested will be added to a waitlist in the order in which their inquiry is received.

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In order to uphold the collaborative nature of our online training programs, Cross-Cultural Communications reserves the right to remove any participant for abusive or aggressive behavior, spoken or written, towards CCC staff, trainers or other participants. We recognize that the past year has been difficult for everyone. However, our participants, trainers and staff have the right to a safe and respectful learning and working environment. We thank you for your understanding.

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