Application expérimentale de techniques théâtrales en cours d’interprétation consécutive

Abstract

This paper focuses on stress management in consecutive interpreting students. In particular, it investigates the effectiveness of a theatre workshop in improving consecutive interpreting students’ skills and reducing their stress levels. The study is based on previous research on stress, stress management, and the idea that some basic theatrical techniques can reduce the stress of student interpreters, as such techniques may improve, among other things, public speaking skills. A didactic experiment was carried out by conducting a theatre workshop with students enrolled in a consecutive interpreting university module. Trainee interpreters’ performances before and after their participation in this workshop were video-recorded and analysed exhaustively according to a series of previously defined research categories. Results show that the students performed better in consecutive interpreting after the workshop, both in terms of stress management and non-verbal communication. Therefore, it can be concluded that theatrical techniques are an effective and creative didactic experience in interpreter training, and that even a crash course can trigger noticeable skills improvements in interpreter trainees.