When people who speak different languages need to communicate important information, having an onsite interpreter can bridge that gap. An onsite Interpreter рhysiсаlly joins the раrties аnԁ trаnslаtes the sрoken worԁs from one lаnguаge into аnother in reаl time. Their role is to facilitate a smooth dialogue despite the language barrier. To make the most of the interpreter’s services, there are some best practices to follow. This article outlines five key tips for collaborating productively with an onsite interpreter.
Keeping Eye Contact with the Onsite Interpreter
One of the most important tips is to keep in contact with the onsite interpreter, not the person you are speaking to. Even though you are trying to communicate with someone else, look at and talk directly to the interpreter. This allows the interpreter to understand your words, expressions, and tone fully.
You may feel a bit awkward looking only at the interpreter at first. Our usual instinct is to make eye contact with the person we want to talk to. But remember, the interpreter is the one who directly understands and conveys your words. That eye contact and speaking momentum are on the map for accurate interpretation.
The interpreter will naturally make eye contact with the other person when interpreting their language. This creates a flow where each party is focused on the interpreter while speaking. It may seem impolite not to look at the other person, but this is proper protocol when working with an interpreter.
Adjusting Your Speaking Speed
Another helpful tip is to speak at a reasonable, slightly slower pace when working with an onsite interpreter. Avoid going too fast or rushing through long statements. The interpreter needs to fully comprehend each thought before interpreting it in the other language.
However, you also don’t want to artificially pause frequently in unnatural places. This can seem choppy. Instead, try to speak with a relaxed, clear cadence. Let your sentences flow normally, while being mindful not to overwhelm the interpreter with extreme speed.
Slowing down a bit gives the interpreter the ability to interpret your complete meaning concisely. It helps prevent missing parts of what you said. With practice together, you’ll find the right moderate speaking pace.
Communicating Directly with the Interpreter
When working with an onsite interpreter, it’s better to speak directly with the interpreter – not the other party. Speak to the interpreter by saying things like “Please ask them…” or “Tell them that…”
Do not address the other person; treat the interpreter as the one you are speaking to. Provide your message to the interpreter, then allow them to interpret that to the other person. The interpreter will then interpret that person’s response and send it back to you.
Staying in this direct flow prevents confusion. The interpreter serves as your designated line of communication, rather than attempting to converse directly with the other party. This makes the interpretation process clear and organized.
Allow Interpreter-Client Interaction
For best results, allow the onsite interpreter to have some private interaction with the client or other party. Give them a moment to clarify specifics, meanings, or cultural references before conveying your full message.
The interpreter may need to ask for clarification if something is unclear about context, terminology, or intent. Having this private dialogue helps the interpreter comprehend the complete significance of interpreting accurately.
Also, be open to the interpreter explaining the other party’s responses. They can provide context about implied meanings, cultural influences on reactions, or dialogue clarification when needed.
This private interaction should be brief, but ensure the highest interpretation quality. It prevents misunderstandings that could happen from simply translating words verbatim. Employing qualified interpreters from a trusted language services provider like The Language Doctors and following best practices helps eliminate language barriers for top-quality on-site interpretation.
Give Relevant Materials in Advance
If you have any relevant materials, try to share them with the onsite interpreter beforehand when possible. This could include:
- Documents
- Speech transcripts
- Presentation slides
- Images
- Any other content about the subject.
Having access to these materials gives the interpreter advanced familiarity with topics, concepts, terminology, and context. They can better prepare and research any specifics needed for smoother, more accurate interpreting.
Of course, this requires scheduling the interpreter services with reasonable notice. However, taking this step allows the interpreter to walk into the situation fully prepared rather than trying to interpret unfamiliar content on the fly.
When an interpreter is adequately prepped on materials, they can focus entirely on understanding intent and conveying your message precisely without being thrown by unexpected topics. A little preparation goes a long way.
All in All
Following these 5 tips allows you to get the most out of your onsite interpreter services. Maintain direct eye contact and speak at a moderate pace for the interpreter. Communicate with the interpreter rather than the other party. Permit occasional private dialogue between the interpreter and client. And provide relevant materials to the interpreter ahead of time.
Kyle Lewis is a seasoned technology journalist with over a decade of experience covering the latest innovations and trends in the tech industry. With a deep passion for all things digital, he has built a reputation for delivering insightful analysis and thought-provoking commentary on everything from cutting-edge consumer electronics to groundbreaking enterprise solutions.
