One of my favorite quotes comes from General Omar Bradley,
“Amateurs talk strategy; professionals talk logistics.”
General Omar Bradley
Likewise, it’s not the understanding of movements or human anatomy that keeps someone from drowning, because when your head is underwater, anything you’ve learned seems to go right out the window, or pool. Once you are able to sit with that new experience rather than drowning in fear before drowning in water, then can those previously learned skills gradually come back to you, affording you a better chance to finally integrate them in meaningful ways.
Similarly, all the skills, tactics, and strategies we learn here can only go so far. Without dipping your toes in the water, so to speak, they are mere theories. I will do my best to prepare you with as much information as possible. However, only on the other side of “Yes” lies the thrilling taste of interpretation, which may take your breath away at first, and then again when God holds you afloat at the deep end. Keeping our attention away from the “existential crisis” and “mind traps” while focusing on the duty at hand is the First Logistical Challenge.
Q: What do I do when the speaker cuts me off?
A: First, that’s nothing personal. It’s difficult and unnatural for many people to speak publically, let alone be mindful of working with an interpreter. Our policy is that we ALWAYS finish our sentences with consistent volume and strength. It gives the audience at least a fighting chance to hear us, while simultaneously providing feedback to the speaker on the pacing.
Q: What if I don’t know how to interpret a certain part?
A: If something is ambiguous, don’t be afraid to ask. If you heard everything but still don’t know how to interpret it, infer from context, and paraphrase the best you can. Feel free to borrow words or phrases that have appeared already. This way, you also reinforce the message even if it’s not 100% precise.
Q: What needs interpretation and what doesn’t?
A: Anything that is spoken (not sung) needs interpretation. Lyrics do not need to be interpreted. When the worship leader directs which part to sing, there is no need to interpret either. But during free worship (not an existing song), we interpret lyrics that are repeated more than twice.
Q: What do I do if someone corrects my interpretation?
A: Say “Thank you”. We always appreciate corrections and clarifications. Sometimes the speaker wants a specific term to be used so they will make that clear. Sometimes people just want to help us out, which is fantastic, and fun to interact with them.
Q: What do I do if I can’t hear myself or the speaker?
A: This is worth a section of its own. Maybe next time?