TOP TIPS on Using Interpreters, Transglobal Languages & Cultures

TOP TIPS on Using Interpreters

We have written these TOP TIPS on using interpreters for anyone who thinks that they need the services of an interpreter.

They are based on years of experience and advocated by key professional and government bodies.

12 TOP TIPS on Using Interpreters

One of the best ways to communicate with non-English speakers is through an interpreter. Interpreters (not translators) deal with the spoken word at meetings and by telephone. They provide a very professional solution.
Use an interpreter and show that you mean business. Hiring an interpreter does increase the cost of organising an event but not hiring one may cost you a lot more! Misunderstandings and mistakes can be very damaging.
Make your interpreting arrangements well in advance. Professional interpreters are in demand and get booked up. They also need time to prepare for your assignment in order to do the best job for you. Don’t leave it until it’s too late!
Determine what interpreting you need for your particular event. Informal situations require liaison or ad hoc interpreting. More formal events require consecutive interpreting. Large-scale events, such as international conferences, call for conference or simultaneous interpreting. Seek professional advice.
Brief your interpreter thoroughly about their assignment. Interpreters need to know in advance as much as possible about the event, its purpose, the organisations and individuals involved. Help them prepare for the job thoroughly.
Make sure that the interpreter is properly positioned. They must be able to hear and see everything (speakers, screens, other visuals) clearly without interruption. Ask if they are satisfied with the set up and heed their advice.
Bear in mind that interpreting is not a mechanical process. Words and phrases rarely “translate” literally from one language to another as one-to-one equivalents. Interpreting is a skilled profession; more of a craft than a science.
Take account of your delegates’ needs. Be sensitive to cultural differences which may affect the way delegates understand each other. Avoid jargon and colloquialisms which may confuse overseas delegates and make life difficult for the interpreter. Be cautious about using humour since it may not translate well and may even backfire.
Help your interpreter to do a really professional job. Speak slowly and clearly enough so they understand first time. Complete each point within a few sentences and then pause for them to interpret what you have just said. Make sure all delegates understand these considerations. Give the interpreter any terminology or acronyms beforehand.
Remember that interpreters are human too. They need to eat, drink and go to the bathroom occasionally! They cannot do these things and interpret at the same time. Make sure that they get their coffee, tea and lunch breaks.
Let them know if they are invited to dinner. If you need them to interpret in the evening you should tell them in advance. They will need to rest, wash and change before dinner like everyone else. And give them time to eat their dinner!
Be clear about what you need to pay. Interpreters attending dinner usually counts as overtime, based on their hourly rate. Meals and accommodation are paid directly by you (the client) whilst fees and travel are invoiced to you afterwards.

We have also prepared a two-page guide which explains more fully:

why professional interpreters are so good for your business success
that the effective use of interpreters gives you practical benefits and much more
how you can apply these TOP TIPS to make your interpreting work for you

If you would like a FREE copy of the guide please complete your details below and we will send it to you as an e-mail attachment.

Or you can ask our translations coordinator, Lindsey Evans by calling her now……

Tel: +44 (0) 161 233 0777 E-mail: translations@transgloballanguages.co.uk

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