As the profession of interpreting is gaining momentum in China, it holds practical implication to make serious research in this regard. The current paper is one of such attempts that integrate theoretical studies with practical suggestions. The author, in this paper, analyzes the role of skills in professional interpreting. In her analysis the author tries to make clear three points: 1) Professional interpreting takes place in the context of intercultural communication and constitutes an act of communication in itself; 2) As an essential component in the interpreting process, the interpreting skills are abilities no professional interpreter can afford to do without; 3) Professional interpreting training shall therefore be skill-oriented.This paper is divided into four chapters, excluding an introduction and a conclusion.The introduction explains the background of this paper. With a brief review of the development of interpreting profession, that in China in particular, it points out that despite the favorable market conditions misunderstanding about interpreting is still widespread. This can largely be attributed to the ignorance of two factors: 1) the nature of professional interpreting; 2) the role of skills in interpreting and training. To clarify the misconception, a theoretical framework addressing these two factors is needed.Chapter One explores the communicative nature of interpreting. It is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on the communication between the speaker and the source and target language listeners, the latter in particular. Being involved in intercultural communication, they encounter barriers and call in interpreter to bridge the gap. In other words, the context in which interpreting is required is of communicative nature and subjected to communication rules. The second part turns to the communication between the interpreter and other parties, including the speaker, listeners and client. It is therefore evident that interpreting constitutes an act of communication in itself. From the discussion in the two parts conclusion is reached that professional interpreting is a professional act of communication.Chapter Two defines interpreting skills as the acquired abilities that enable the interpreter to interpret competently. Besides, attempt is made in this chapter to categorize interpreting skills into language, communication and technical skills. As the ability to use language correctly at the first level and that to apply existing linguistic knowledge to overcome difficulties at the second level, language skills make it possible to interpret. Communication skills, including effective listening, public speaking and intercultural competence, represent the communicative nature of interpreting. Technical skills such as memory operation, note-taking and anticipation are specific skills to interpreting and distinguish well-trained interpreters from general bilinguals. The application of skills ensures an effective interpreting service.Chapter Three examines how interpreting skills serve the communication function. To begin with, it integrates skills into the whole interpreting process. Skills are established as a crucial factor that can be applied to all other components of interpreting. Since the application of skills contributes so significantly to interpreting, which is of communicative nature, it follows that skills shall be conducive to intercultural communication effectiveness. When the interpreter’s language, communication and technical skills all come into play, he demonstrates in intercultural communication his competence, which leads to the effectiveness.Chapter Four is devoted to the pedagogical implications of skills in professional interpreting. The skill-oriented approach has to be respected with regard to admission test, curriculum and examination. The design of an admission test shall be geared to the need of finding out the candidates’ potential of skill development. A set of interdependent sub-skills has to be identified, followed from the easier to the