Which sequence correctly lists the five steps for mediation?

• A. Interpret what was just said; Identify yourself as the interpreter; Mediate briefly; Report your mediation to the other party; Resume interpreting.
• B. Identify yourself as the interpreter; Interpret what was just said; Mediate briefly; Resume interpreting; Report your mediation to the other party.
• C. Interpret what was just said; Identify yourself as the interpreter; Mediate briefly; Report your mediation to the other party; Resume interpreting.
• D. Interpret what was just said; Mediate briefly; Identify yourself as the interpreter; Report your mediation to the other party; Resume interpreting.

Answer: (C)

The main concept being tested is the proper sequence of mediation steps during interpreting. The best sequence is: interpret what was just said; identify yourself as the interpreter; mediate briefly; report your mediation to the other party; resume interpreting.

Interpreting first ensures you faithfully render the original message before any intervention. Identifying yourself after that initial rendering makes sure the participants know who is facilitating the communication without interrupting the flow of the first portion. A brief mediation follows to clarify meaning or resolve a potential misunderstanding while keeping disruption to a minimum. Then reporting your mediation to the other party provides transparency, letting everyone know that a clarification step took place. Finally, you resume interpreting to continue the session with clarity and fidelity.

Other sequences would place your role identification too early or too late, or omit informing the other party about the mediation, which can disrupt transparency and the natural flow of communication.