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    'You Have To Have Speed': What It Takes To Be A United Nations Interpreter

    Over the course of 22 years as a U.N. interpreter, Lynn Visson interpreted for politicians like Russian President Boris Yeltsin and President Jimmy Carter.
    Jul 18, 2018 2 minutes
    The American flag flies with other nations' flags outside the United Nations in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

    Lynn Visson is a teacher and writer, and was an interpreter at the United Nations for 22 years, interpreting French and Russian into English for politicians like former President Jimmy Carter.

    Speed is key when doing high-stakes interpreting with delegates and other notable figures, Visson tells Here & Now‘s Jeremy Hobson.

    “You have to be able to listen, immediately grasp what someone is saying, and

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