Last month, I had the opportunity to dive deep into the art of process facilitation during an intensive in-person workshop. The experience was both insightful and practical, focusing on hands-on methods and the invaluable exchange of ideas with fellow participants. One integral part of the workshop was a series of role-playing exercises. These weren’t just theoretical discussions, but real-world simulations where I could experiment with techniques for tactfully guiding domina

Interpreting is teamwork! And that‘s exactly why there are always at least two conference interpreters working in a booth, taking turns to avoid fatigue during this strenuous task. We‘re co-pilots, if you will. But my last couple of assignments were a true team effort in every sense of the word. One assignment, for instance, was all about GenAI and collaboration in a diverse international team. As one of the German team members was deaf, we collaborated with sign language int

“We’re not just moderators; we’re also translators”. When I heard the opening line in episode 31 of the German podcast DIE MODERATORINNEN , I couldn’t help but smile. It resonated deeply with me, because both professions share more similarities than you might expect. As an interpreter, I translate languages. As a moderator, I translate content, moods, and intentions. In both cases, the goal isn’t just to convey what is said, but also what is meant, i.e. the nuances that lin

Back at uni, I had a nickname, and not exactly a flattering one. They called me “Mickey Mouse.” Why? Because my voice sounded just as high-pitched and squeaky as the cartoon character’s. Would you have seen me in a profession requiring intense vocal use? Technically, it would have been possible. But I didn’t want to go down that road. Not just out of vanity (okay, maybe a little bit), but mainly because constantly speaking in an unnaturally high pitch isn’t healthy for your v

Writing cue cards is not that different from consecutive note-taking . They contain bullet points, symbols, and abbreviationsm which - just like a single snapshot from your camera - can trigger entire chains of memories in the brain. Like tying a knot in your handkerchief. The important thing is not to write out the entire script word for word, but to focus on the essentials — the things I really don’t want to forget. Ideally, of course, I prefer to speak freely as a moderato

Last weekend, the Annual General Meeting of the NRW regional chapter of BDÜ took place in Siegburg. And this one felt a little different for me! For the first time, I wasn’t just attending. I was actually part of the agenda! In my new role as Public Relations Officer, I had the chance to introduce myself to the members and share a glimpse of what I have in mind for the coming term. My focus? Making our association more visible and approachable for both current and future mem

When you are at an event and the entire room is singing and dancing along to ATP, you just know you‘ve come to the right place! Last weekend, I attended the 1st Moderators‘ Day in Cologne, and I was completely blown away by the high quality of skill, professionalism, creativity, and performance shown by the organisers and attendees alike. The event, initiated by Kerstin Stromberg, Head of Deutsche Moderatorenakademie , had so many fun and eye-opening experiences and activitie

Remember when I emceed my close friends‘ wedding anniversary? It was the start of a wonderful journey that let me to become an event moderator! As a conference interpreter, I'm experienced in speaking publicly. I learned quite a bit about public speaking when I was at uni. I practised speaking in front of an audience with confidence and ease in consecutive interpreting seminars and developed rhetorical and speech skills with the help of video analysis. I‘m used to speaking to

AI tools can be very helpful and support us in our work. Many things are already possible, but some are not—especially AI Interpreting is not as mature and glitch-free as the Internet claims. We tested the AI language translation tool LiveVoice at the Best of Events trade fair, noticing that AI does not follow a natural flow of speech (which is also true for other automated speech-to-speech translation tools). Interviews or panel discussions are a particular challenge for AI.

Last weekend, the 23rd Annual Members’ Meeting of the VKD Professional Association of Conference Interpreters took place in Fulda. In addition to the official agenda, reports from the executive board and committee members, discussing motions, and electing new board members, the new cohort of the VKD Mentoring Programme was introduced. The aim of the programme is to facilitate young colleagues’ entry into professional life as freelance conference interpreters. To this end, exp