# 216 Josh Goldsmith on How Language Experts Become Successful

Learning Path for Translators and Interpreters

In this section, Josh Goldsmith discusses his role in teaching translators and interpreters to enhance productivity and adapt to the evolving market.

Josh's Diverse Background

• Josh shares his journey of combining a passion for languages with teaching, leading him to study Linguistics, work as a teacher, professor, translator, and eventually become a conference interpreter.

• He founded Tech Forward four years ago to teach translators and interpreters geeky tech skills.

Balancing Multiple Roles

• Despite being an active conference interpreter, Josh manages various roles through effective time management.

• He plans his calendar meticulously to ensure teaching and interpreting commitments align without overlap.

Preference for On-Site Work

• Josh prefers on-site interpreting due to better sound quality, visual cues, easier document access, and the human connection it offers.

• Working primarily with international organizations like European institutions shapes his preference for on-site assignments.

Tech Forward Evolution

This segment delves into the growth of Tech Forward as a brand within the language industry.

Building Tech Forward Brand

• The success of Tech Forward surged during the pandemic when colleagues sought learning opportunities while at home.

• Starting with weekly webinars in early 2020/2021 led by Josh and Alexander Drexel, Tech Forward expanded into offering online on-demand courses based on audience demand.

Discussion on Building Personal Branding for Language Professionals

In this segment, the discussion revolves around personal branding and marketing for language professionals. The conversation touches upon the importance of establishing a personal brand, practical steps to initiate branding efforts, and the significance of professional presentation in the industry.

Establishing a Personal Brand

• Many translators and interpreters may undervalue their personal branding and marketing efforts.

• Simple steps like acquiring a professional email address and creating a decent headshot can significantly enhance one's brand image.

• Crafting a mission statement that outlines how you can assist your target audience in achieving their goals is crucial for building a strong personal brand.

Practical Steps for Brand Development

• Start by defining your target audience, mission statement, and updating your LinkedIn profile with relevant information.

• A strong starting point includes having a professional email address, an updated LinkedIn profile with a good photo and bio, along with a well-thought-out mission statement.

Incremental Approach to Brand Growth

• Emphasizes taking one step at a time in building your brand rather than attempting to do everything at once.

• Advocates for gradual growth by starting with a one-page website and expanding it over time to avoid overwhelming oneself.

Utilizing LinkedIn for Professional Branding

This part focuses on leveraging LinkedIn as an effective platform for enhancing professional branding among language professionals. The conversation delves into practical tips for optimizing one's LinkedIn profile to attract potential clients efficiently.

Leveraging LinkedIn Effectively

• Setting up an initial website, obtaining a headshot, and establishing a presence on LinkedIn are essential steps in enhancing visibility within the industry.

• Avoid using abbreviations in languages or certifications on your LinkedIn profile as clients may not be familiar with these terms.

Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile

• Incorporating client-friendly language into your tagline, bio, and mission statement on LinkedIn enhances discoverability among potential clients.

Detailed Discussion on Tech Forward and Practical Applications of AI in Interpreting

In this section, the speaker discusses various topics related to their work, including writing for a journal, covering AI-powered tools like Lex.page and TurboScribe, teaching online using Zoom hacks, and utilizing AI for vocabulary enhancement and email responses.

Writing for Journal and Covering AI Tools

• The speaker writes for the Slater Toolbox Journal, providing monthly updates on linguistic technology.

• Recent topics covered include an AI-powered writing and editing tool called Lex.page and the best AI transcription tool known as TurboScribe.

Teaching Online and Using AI

• The speaker shared Zoom hacks for online teaching tailored to translators and interpreters.

• Extensive writing on using AI spans from vocabulary improvement to preparation techniques, terminology extraction, and even automating email responses.

Mission of Tech Forward and Content Development Process

This segment delves into the mission of Tech Forward, how topics are selected for content creation, challenges faced in determining relevant tools to teach about, and insights into practical applications of AI in interpreting.

Mission of Tech Forward

• The discussion centers around the mission of Tech Forward.

• Understanding current industry trends is facilitated by being an active conference interpreter with a pulse on ongoing developments.

Content Development Process

• Engaging with a community named "Insiders" provides valuable insights into challenges faced by practitioners.

• Webinars like "Scan Like a Pro" are inspired by questions raised within the community or during training sessions.

Practical Applications of AI Tools in Interpreting

This part explores practical applications of AI tools in interpreting work scenarios. It emphasizes leveraging non-AI tools like glossary management systems alongside specific use cases where AI can enhance efficiency.

Utilizing Non-AI Tools

• Glossary management systems are essential for interpreters; recommendations include avoiding Word or Excel usage.

• Some glossary management tools integrate with AI to provide real-time term suggestions during interpretation sessions.

Terminology Extraction with AI

• Terminology extraction aids in handling extensive documents efficiently; Sketch Engine is highlighted as a leading non-AI tool for this purpose.

• Fine-tuned terminology extraction using AI enables precise filtering based on specific fields or requirements.

Interpreting Tools and Techniques

In this section, the speaker discusses various tools and techniques used in interpreting, including AI transcription, machine translation, speech recognition, and preparation methods.

People Interpretation and Tools

• AI transcription is used to transcribe speeches and identify key terms.

Machine Translation in Interpreting

• Machine translation tools can aid in faster interpretation of pre-written speeches.

Speech Recognition Variants

• Three forms of speech recognition are highlighted: machine transcription, translated transcription, and machine interpreting.

Preparation for Interpreting

This section emphasizes the importance of preparation in interpreting work, including knowing the speaker's style, familiarizing with terms, and utilizing tech tools for efficiency.

Importance of Preparation

• Preparation involves knowing the speaker's style and having a list of familiar terms.

Cognitive Load Management

• Preloading cognitive load through preparation helps interpreters handle tasks efficiently during assignments.

Challenges with Interpreting Tools

The challenges associated with using interpreting tools during live sessions are discussed here, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation due to potential distractions.

Focus During Interpretation

• Balancing interpretation focus with additional tool usage can be challenging due to distractions.

Utilizing Tools Effectively

• Effective tool usage requires prior preparation to handle difficult aspects seamlessly during interpretation sessions.

New Section

In this section, the discussion revolves around the role of AI in enhancing work processes rather than replacing human efforts.

The Role of AI in Work Processes

• AI is intended to assist and improve work efficiency, not replace human labor entirely.

• Machine translation has evolved over the years but has not eliminated the need for human translators; tools like Google Translate are supportive but do not replace professional translation services.

• Introduction of machine interpreting tools aids in specific scenarios like making bookings or clarifications during phone calls, yet professional quality interpretation remains a significant challenge.

• Ethical concerns arise regarding the use of AI tools in critical settings such as legal, medical, and educational environments due to potential inaccuracies and implications on access to justice and equity.

New Section

This segment delves into the complexities of speech synthesis and machine interpreting, highlighting the limitations compared to human interpreters.

Speech Synthesis and Machine Interpreting Challenges

• Speech synthesis advancements have improved but still lack nuances present in human speech delivery, especially concerning intonation changes mid-sentence based on context.

• Human interpreters offer more than just word translations; they facilitate smooth communication by navigating cultural differences and ensuring meeting effectiveness.

New Section

The conversation shifts towards the evolving perception of automated speech translation and interpreting tools among users.

Perception Shift Towards Automated Tools

• Advancements in speech technology may lead users to perceive automated tools as more reliable despite existing limitations.

• Users might attribute excessive credibility to automated systems if they sound convincingly human-like, emphasizing the importance of educating clients about tool gaps for effective communication.

New Section

The focus here is on organizational perspectives regarding AI integration for accessibility purposes within institutions like the United Nations and European Union.

Organizational Views on AI Integration

Detailed Discussion on Machine Translation and AI Language Club

In this section, the speaker discusses the accuracy of machine translation in parliamentary proceedings, the potential of AI language tools, and introduces the AI Language Club project.

Machine Translation Accuracy

• Relatively accurate machine transcription was used for parliamentary proceedings but had significant gaps.

• Machine translation works well with simple language like hotel descriptions due to narrowed-down speech.

Concerns and Potential of AI Tools

• Major concerns include confidentiality in international institutions and political settings.

• Despite advancements in AI tools, interpreting remains crucial for accuracy in certain settings.

Introduction to AI Language Club

• The AI Language Club project aims to assist language learners at all levels with fun and tailored materials using AI.

• Members receive weekly video tutorials with exercises to enhance cultural knowledge and language skills through AI.

Innovative Applications of AI in Language Learning

This section delves into various innovative applications of AI within the context of language learning as facilitated by the AI Language Club.

Diverse Applications of AI in Language Learning

• Utilizing multiple-choice questions generated by AI from authentic YouTube videos enhances language learning experiences.

• Using speech synthesis through AI aids in preparing for conversations or correcting work effectively.

Fun Activities Enabled by AI

• The club offers tutorials on diverse activities such as exploring etiquette scenarios, generating recipes, and playing games using AI.

• Learners can engage with activities like writing stories collaboratively or creating videos with the assistance of AI tools.

Personal Language Journey and Future Aspirations

The speaker reflects on their multilingual background, current languages spoken, potential future languages to learn, and advice for young graduates considering interpreting and translation as a career.

Multilingual Background and Future Plans

• The speaker has six working languages but is open to exploring new languages based on personal interests like Swedish during a vacation in Scandinavia.

Advice for Young Graduates

• Choosing interpreting and translation as a profession is recommended if one loves languages but emphasizes the need for specialization and dedication to building a portfolio.

Clients and Lifelong Learning

In this section, the importance of continuous skill development for interpreters and translators is discussed, emphasizing the need to adapt to market demands and commit to lifelong learning.

Continuous Skill Development

• Interpreters should upgrade their skills continuously, potentially adding new languages based on target markets.

• Commitment to lifelong learning is crucial for success in translation and interpreting.

• Translators and interpreters are naturally inclined towards learning due to their passion for languages, cultures, and current affairs.

Market Break-in Challenges

This part focuses on the challenges faced when entering the translation and interpreting market, highlighting the necessity of perseverance and dedication.

Market Entry Challenges

• Breaking into the market requires significant effort and persistence.

• Specialization in areas like board games or fashion can open up diverse opportunities.

• Persistence is key in navigating through challenges while entering the translation and interpreting industry.

Website Domains Ownership

The discussion revolves around website domain ownership as a tool for branding strategies in translation-related projects.

Website Domains

• Owning multiple website domains can aid colleagues in learning about branding strategies.

• The speaker owns 19 active domains related to innovation in translation and AI applications.

• Emphasizes securing one's full name domain for future professional flexibility.

AI in Translation Projects

Insights into utilizing AI technology within translation projects are shared, focusing on its role in innovation within the field.

AI Integration

• Maintaining domains related to AI integration supports ongoing projects like Summits on innovation in translation.

• Active projects centered around AI application necessitate strategic domain ownership.

• Recommends securing personal name domain for future career transitions within language-related fields.

Future Projects Focus

Future endeavors concentrating on AI integration within language services are outlined, including upcoming events and educational initiatives.

Future Initiatives

• Focus on organizing an upcoming AI Summit dedicated to exploring innovations in language technology.

• Commitment to hosting regular boot camps focusing on AI applications in translation and interpreting fields.

Connect with Tech Forward

Information regarding platforms where individuals can access content from Tech Forward is provided along with a cautionary note about brand names' spelling variations.

Connection Points

• [] (2610 s): Primary platform for accessing content is TechForward.com

• [] (2610 s): LinkedIn profile under Josh Goldsmith offers another connection point.