As a young interpreter working in a English to German Translation
company, I learned that I had strengths like no other in developing quality relationships with other people. I can still remember people admiring what seemed to be my natural abilities to get along with other people. It was then that I discovered that the most important quality of a translator or interpreter is the ability to get along with a variety of personalities. Regardless of the type of project that I was assigned, whether it is a set of human resources manuals or a brochure of a Houston manufacturing company or even a contract for a real estate company in San Antonio, the importance of building connections is critical.
Many people were envious of my people skills but in many respects, I believe that I had them since I was born. But could it be possible that I have a super power? Is it feasible that I would have been born with a special ability? Maybe I learned these skills early in life. If this was something that was somehow taught to me, can I teach it to interpreters? Since these thoughts kept me awake every night, I felt I should set out to document my thoughts on this. From more than twenty long years of professional French Translator experience, that led me to move from one end of the country to the other, that attitude and body talk are critical when making an introduction. I came to the conclusion that by selecting the right words, using the right vocabulary and altering my vocal tone and expressions that I could make people feel more relaxed. Another observation that I have made in my career is that no matter what language you are working in, there will always be certain atmospheres that can be created through different appearances, word choices and so forth. With my knowledge, I decided to look a little deeper. Why is it easier to be cordial with some people than with others? There are moments when I meet a particular person who tends to be fascinating to me but when my neighbors meet the person, they hand that person to be uninspiring. You must agree that a biological action must be taking place that we are yet to understand.
At this point, I decided to turn to research on the subconscious that was conducted by Dr. Bandler in order to help answer some of my research questions. Without needing to be asked, almost instinctively, I had already been performing and applying the methodologies that were being recommended by these now famous doctors. Among a fountain of new insights, they revealed that everyone has a “favorite sense.” When you finally uncover the driver that influences the person then you can begin to address their needs and win them over. My mission was becoming more focused. Having made these discoveries, my research was pulling me away from my English to Russian Translation
career and forcing me to spend more time studying subliminal behavior. Over the next few years, I studied and earned a license as a Master Practitioner of NLP. I studied Irresistible Language Patterns in the United States, Canada and England, and delved into everything to do with the brain’s part in human connectivity. I worked with actors, comedians and drama teachers in America and storytellers throughout the former USSR to develop exercises that enhance conversational skills.