Guidelines for successful interpreting 

A few useful hints or guidelines on gaining a successful working relationship with your interpreter are as follows:

Set up and consent to common ground rules with your interpreter. In order to do this you can try and establish how you want to run a particular meeting, the pace or number of sentences you want translated at a time. It is very important to discuss and agree on the translation of any ‘jargon’ or idioms beforehand. Finally, agree on the timing of any breaks and other matters that seem less important e.g. where to be seated etc.

Familiarity of the subject matter is highly important. So, try and make sure that your interpreter is familiar and comfortable with the topic or subject being covered. Always ensure that your interpreter has a copy of the speech or talk you will be delivering wherever possible.

Aim to give your interpreter as much background information before the event as you possibly can. Inform them about any complicated words or terminology and ask them if they know the meanings. Prepare them to deal with any tricky subjects or issues so that they can deliver with ease.

It is vital that your audience, however big or small, can see that you and your interpreter are ‘connecting’. Therefore engage with your interpreter directly. People must be able to observe that you are well focused at all times so that they feel confident about you and able to trust you.

Most interpreters agree on the point that funny jokes don’t really work so if you really want to use humour then it is usually better to start off with a joke or funny remark but always seek advice from your interpreter in case it doesn’t work well.

Time management is crucial so plan your time carefully. Remember that conversations will be twice as long. For example, if you are giving a talk then everything you say will have to be translated, so a one hour speech will actually take two. Sometimes it is beneficial to speak in shorter and sharper sentences.

Never do a rush job; always speak slowly and clearly. If you are stressed or rushing then that will indeed affect the quality of the translation.

The interpreter is there to simply translate what is being said and must never attempt to translate emotion. If the speaker is happy or annoyed for example, then this will be apparent through his/her body language and tone of voice.

An interpreter must never undermine your position by answering questions on your behalf without consulting you. Even if the response needed is very simple or predictable they must always convey the question to you first.

Ask your interpreter never to alter what you say even if they think it may be offensive but always let your interpreter know in advance what you plan to say if the subject is to be controversial. You can put your interpreter at ease by asking him/her to remind the audience that the opinion being expressed is yours and not theirs.