MET workshops

Finding your voice: confident speaking for editors and translators

Spoken communication is an inevitable part of professional life, even for editors and translators who largely work on their own, yet it can be intimidating. From small talk at big events to interactions with clients and presentations at professional conferences, we’ve all felt those butterflies that can cause shaky hands, a trembling voice and the dreaded imposter syndrome. This interactive workshop provides structured guidance and practical exercises to help language professionals communicate confidently and showcase their expertise. Participants will gain the skills to speak clearly, prepare effectively and control their nerves.

Facilitator: Ruth Simpson

Purpose: To help language professionals speak confidently, clearly and convincingly in professional and public contexts.

Description: The session will begin with a group discussion inviting participants to explore what makes spoken communication effective, credible and engaging. This will be followed by an introduction to key principles of clear communication, such as purpose, structure and audience adaptation. These theoretical insights will be combined with guided exercises.

The workshop will then explore practical techniques focusing on voice, posture, breathing and pacing, helping participants build confidence and develop a stronger presence. Techniques for managing nerves will be introduced and gradually applied to familiar professional situations such as meetings, client conversations and short presentations.

In the second half of the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to put these techniques into practice through individual and small-group exercises, with space to experiment, reflect and adjust. The session will conclude with shared reflection and constructive feedback, allowing participants to consolidate learning and identify clear, practical and lasting personal takeaways.

The facilitator will ensure a supportive, engaging environment to encourage active participation.

Participant profile: This workshop is for editors, translators and other language professionals seeking to improve their spoken communication. The workshop will be conducted in English, but the techniques learned are transferable to other languages.

Outcome: Participants will leave with a clear framework for structuring interventions, practical tools for presence and voice, and strategies to manage nerves in professional settings.

Preparation: Participants should reflect on recent professional speaking experiences and note their purposes and challenges. Awareness of situations where they speak professionally will enrich participation; no other preparatory work is required.

About the facilitator: Ruth Simpson is a passionate performer with extensive experience in jazz, choral music and musical theatre, and has directed the MET choir since 2017. She brings this performance expertise to her work as a translator and English trainer for wine professionals. Based in Chablis, she holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma in wines and spirits and is a qualified member of the ITI.