In the diverse, global business arena we conduct meetings and include people from various parts of the world with various language base languages to bring everyone together. Interpreting is frequently necessary to facilitate fluent and accurate communication. But hiring an interpreter alone won’t do it — it’s preparation that is critical to making these meetings productive. The first hurdle is what kind of interpretation they’re looking for. Concurrent (simultaneous) translation is well-suited for conferences or any other large gathering as it allows the translator to translate in real time. Running translation is less effective in smaller and more interactive settings in which the speakers pause and lose their momentum. Remote interpretation is also available for virtual meetings and may be conducted over the phone, or through video conferencing platforms.
Now that the format has been decided, the next most important thing is to hire a good interpreter. Seek out professionals with experience in your industry, such as law, medicine or technology. A qualified interpreter will be fluent in both languages and also trained so that impartial and accurate communication is provided to both parties. Key to success, they continue, is to share relevant background material ahead of time. Either provide documents such as agendas, presentations, glossaries so the interpreter is aware of the topics and any potential terms.
Decent communication with all parties is also helpful. Tell them you will be using affordable Interpretation Services and explain how those will function, and what it will entail — say, speaking slowly or pausing frequently or using certain channels, if the meeting is virtual. Physical training is only part of the battle. Do a dry run to ensure everything works: mikes and headsets (if used) and interpretation software. In virtual formats, the interpreter must be familiar with the platform, and participants must be aware of how to access the interpretation capabilities.
Also, interpretating is intense, and not much repetition is needed. For meetings lasting longer than this, schedule in breaks or employ a second interpreter and rotate in order to ensure their continued effectiveness. Most of all, be patient and empathetic. When you do, speak clearly and refrain from idiomatic or jargon-laden language, and leave time for the interpretation to be translated. When you do that, you help make for more inclusive, efficient, and professional meetings, where everyone can fully engage —no matter what language they speak.