221. Don’t Get Lost in Translation: Staying Cool When Every Word Counts

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Think Fast Talk Smart

Communicating, Influence, Career Skills, Career, Business, Education, Leadership, Careers, Communication, Career Growth, Public Speaking, Language Learning, Improv

4.7 • 711 Ratings

🗓️ 7 August 2025

⏱️ 19 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

How do you stay clear, calm, and precise when every word counts and there’s no room for error?

Staying calm and focused while translating high-stakes conversations in real time isn’t just a language skill — it’s a masterclass in communication under pressure. And for Giampaolo Bianchi, simultaneous interpreter for the United Nations and World Health Organization, it’s a challenge he meets with presence, precision, and a whole lot of preparation. In this expanded conversation from our Spontaneous Speaking series, Bianchi offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he prepares for — and performs in — moments where being calm, in control, and adaptable are essential.
“We don’t translate words — we translate ideas,” Bianchi explains, highlighting the mindset shift that allows interpreters to go beyond language and convey meaning with clarity and nuance. He shares the role of rigorous preparation, physical grounding, and mental focus in his work, and explains how tools like note systems, pre-session rituals, and active listening help manage cognitive load during live interpretation.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Bianchi and host Matt Abrahams explore how the principles of simultaneous interpretation apply far beyond the booth — offering valuable strategies for anyone who needs to communicate effectively under pressure, adapt in the moment, and ensure their smartest communication happens without a script.

Episode Reference Links:

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction
(02:42) - Becoming a UN Interpreter
(03:50) - Staying Calm Under Pressure
(05:03) - Translating Emotion, Not Just Words
(06:10) - Memory and Focus Techniques
(07:51) - The Power of Preparation
(09:17) - Pre-Meeting Rituals and Readiness
(10:34) - Handling Mistakes in Real Time
(11:44) - Interpreter Habits in Daily Life
(12:45) - The Final Three Questions
(17:28) - Conclusion

*****
This Episode is sponsored by Stanford. Stay Informed on Stanford's world changing research by signing up for the Stanford Report
Support Think Fast Talk Smart by joining TFTS Premium.

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	Hi, Matt here. As September approaches, many of us are heading back to school in work. To help get you back in the groove and hone your communication skills, check out daily Back to Basic videos. We'll be publishing each day in August. We have identified a weekly communication topic and we'll share a short, helpful video each day at 7 a.m. Pacific on our YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok channels.
0:23.2	Please check out these practical, helpful videos, and be sure to follow us to get your daily
0:27.9	dose of think fast, talk smart. You can see a complete calendar at faster smarter.io slash basics.
0:35.6	Meaning matters, especially in high-pressure negotiations or crisis situations.
0:40.9	And we can all actively work to make sure our messages aren't lost in translation.
0:47.4	My name is Matt Abrahams, and I teach strategic communication at Stanford Graduate School of
0:52.7	Business. Welcome to Think Fast, Talk Smart, the podcast.
0:57.8	As part of our four-part mini-series on spontaneous speaking, we introduced you to a number
1:02.3	of coaches whose jobs require successful in the moment communication.
1:07.3	So many of our listeners found value in our coaches' advice that we wanted to provide you with an opportunity to hear our complete interviews.
1:14.9	So today I'm excited for you to learn from Giampalo Bianchi.
1:18.8	Giampalo is a simultaneous interpreter who does work for the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
1:25.0	His main areas of focus are on international diplomacy and politics,
1:29.0	human rights, global health, and foreign policy. Let's jump right in and learn from Gianpolo.
1:37.0	Gianpalo, welcome. I look forward to our conversation. Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure.
1:43.5	This episode is brought to you by Stanford University.
1:46.8	At Think Fast Talk Smart, we always try to bring you tools to help you succeed in business and in life.
1:52.2	Like the ideas of Glenn Kramon on how to write more clearly and concisely.
1:56.7	Stanford researchers are constantly working to improve the world around us.
2:01.3	Stanford neuroscientist Sergio Paska is pioneering technology to recreate human brain
2:06.1	tissue and neuro circuits in the lab, which can give scientists a totally new way to study how
2:10.9	our brains develop and ultimately identify the underlying causes and potential new treatments
	...

Transcript will be available on the free plan in 22 days. Upgrade to see the full transcript now.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Think Fast Talk Smart, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Think Fast Talk Smart and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.