Part 1: Chunking the phrases and... the salami?!

In Part 1, participants will explore two essential simultaneous interpreting techniques: chunking and the “salami” technique. Through guided practice and instructor-led exercises, interpreters will learn how to break speech into manageable units, process information more efficiently, and produce clearer, more accurate renditions in real time. Participants will also discover how these strategies reduce overload and support smoother delivery during high-speed interpreting assignments.

Build stronger simultaneous interpreting foundations and learn practical techniques you can apply immediately in real assignments.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how chunking and the salami technique improve comprehension, processing, and delivery.
• Practice with realistic-sounding audios and scripts from court hearings and other interpreting settings.
• Apply chunking as both a preparation strategy and a live performance tool for simultaneous interpreting.

INSTRUCTOR:

James Plunkett is a nationally-known interpreter instructor and trainer of trainers. He is certified by the U.S. Administrative Office of the Courts for Spanish and by the Florida Administrative Office of the Courts for Portuguese. In his 31 years of professional experience, he has worked as a staff interpreter for the 13th Judicial Circuit in Florida and as the Coordinator of Interpreting Services and Language Access Program for the District of Columbia Courts. He is a staff interpreter of the U.S. District Court in Tampa, Florida. He holds a BA degree in General Social Studies from Providence College. He was raised in Lima, Peru. He also communicates in intermediate French and basic Italian.