Check Your Assumptions

A Workshop About Teaming, Communication, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves

Saturday, December 12, 2026

8:00am-11:00am Pacific

Online

What happens when your teammate works differently than you do?

They do not offer support when you expect it. They interrupt your interpretation. They give you feedback after the assignment. They do not give you feedback at all.Before a conversation even begins, we may already have an explanation:"They were not paying attention."
"They do not trust me."
"They are trying to take over."
"They are not open to feedback."But what did we actually observe, and what meaning did we assign to it?

About the Workshop

Effective teaming requires more than knowing what a team interpreter is supposed to do. It requires interpreters to recognize the assumptions they make about one another and understand how those assumptions affect communication, trust, and shared decision-making.In this interactive workshop, participants will examine common assumptions that arise before, during, and after teamed assignments. We will practice distinguishing observable behavior from the meaning assigned to it, explore how unspoken expectations can create tension, and use non-evaluative language to support clearer and more productive conversations.This is not a workshop built around scripted teaming dos and don’ts. It is an opportunity to examine what happens when two professionals bring different experiences, preferences, expectations, and communication styles into the same assignment.

What We'll Explore

● The expectations we bring into teamed assignments● The difference between observation, interpretation, assumption, and evaluation● Assumptions about competence, engagement, support, and professionalism● How unspoken expectations affect trust and communication● Using non-evaluative language to discuss concerns● Giving and receiving input without immediately becoming defensive● Communicating individual needs and preferences● Negotiating differences between teammates● Supporting shared decision-making during an assignment● Applying these ideas to realistic teaming situations

Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

Differentiate observable teammate behavior from assumptions or interpretations about that behavior.
Identify how assumptions and unspoken expectations can affect team communication, trust, and decision-making.
Demonstrate the use of non-evaluative language when discussing teaming needs, concerns, and differences.
Analyze teaming situations and identify communication strategies that support shared decision-making.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is designed for working ASL-English interpreters, interpreters entering the profession, and interpreting students preparing to work in teamed assignments.It may be especially useful for interpreters who:● Have experienced tension or miscommunication with a teammate● Want to communicate concerns without sounding accusatory● Work with interpreters whose teaming styles differ from their own● Want to become more intentional about giving and receiving input● Are looking for an approach to teaming that goes beyond prescribed rulesYou do not need to be experiencing a teaming conflict to benefit. The workshop is designed to help interpreters develop communication practices they can carry into future assignments and professional relationships.

What to Expect

This is an interactive online workshop. Participants will engage in guided reflection, group discussion, scenario analysis, and communication practice.Because participation is central to the learning experience, attendees should plan to join from a device with a working camera and microphone and be prepared to participate throughout the workshop.

Presenter

Marcus Gunter, MA is an ASL-English interpreter, interpreter educator, and owner of Educo Interpreting LLC. He holds a Master of Arts in Teaching Interpreting from Western Oregon University and has experience working across educational, community, and postsecondary interpreting environments.His workshops invite interpreters to examine the thinking, communication, and professional relationships that shape their work. Through discussion, realistic scenarios, and practical application, Marcus creates learning experiences that help participants move beyond prescribed answers and make more intentional, context-responsive professional choices.

Registration and Cost

Registration for participants is $35. Cancellations made by December 9, 2026 will receive a refund of the total amount paid minus a 5% processing fee. No refunds will be given after December 9, 2026. No partial participation or partial CEUs will be given.

CMP/CEU Information and Accommodations

Our CMP/CEU sponsor, Vancro Integrated Interpreting Services (VIIS), is an approved RID CMP sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This workshop is offered for 0.3 CEUs in the Professional Studies area at the “Some” Content Knowledge level. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance. The target audience for this activity is professional ASL-English interpreters, interpreters entering the profession, and interpreting students preparing to work in teamed assignments.As always, Educo and VIIS are committed to offering educational opportunities free from discrimination and bias. For accommodations contact: info@educointerpreting.com

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