When professional interpretation is done correctly, it can help you streamline communication and ensure understanding and respect with your clients. When carried out improperly, it can cause communication breakdowns and misunderstandings.
To ensure you experience the first scenario rather than the latter, it’s essential to know what to do and what not to do when working with a professional interpreter.
What Should You Do and Not Do When Using an Interpreter
Some things to do and not do when using interpreter services include the following:
Do
Stick to your time: Interpreters have various appointments daily, so sticking to your scheduled time is vital. Delays can affect your and other sessions and prevent you from receiving the help you need.
Work in a quiet space: Organise your session in a quietplace, whether in person or over the phone, to reduce distractions and improve outcomes.
Prepare: It’s best to revise or think over what you want interpreted before your session, so you don’t leave out important information.
Brief your interpreter: A translation brief outlines your requirements and goals. Ensure you create a detailed, comprehensive outline so your interpreter knows precisely what’s required and so you get what you’re paying for.
Address the client: It’s normal to address your interpreter, but it’s important to speak directly to the client or the other person in the session. Your interpreter will listen to the conversation and address your client.
Use short sentences: Speaking clearly and in short sentences can help your interpreter translate more efficiently and prevent them from being overwhelmed.
Pause: Take short breathers or breaks between sentences. Speaking too quickly can overwhelm your interpreter and make it challenging for them to interpret correctly.
Revise your Interpretation: If your interpreter leaves out information or makes a mistake, politely repeat what you communicated and ask them to review either Interpretation.
Don’t
Use slang: Jargon or slang can be challenging to interpret and can impact communication between you and your third party.
Be unprofessional: Avoid asking your interpreter personal questions and ensure you stick to your brief.
Talk over your interpreter: Interrupting or speaking over them can affect their interpretation and slow communication. It can also be impolite and unprofessional.
Rush the process: Interpretation requires time and thought. Rushing your interpreter can prevent them from accurately interpreting and conveying a message.
Forget to double-check your Interpretation: It’s normal to ask questions and review your Interpretation at the end of your session. Doing this ensures everyone is accurately interpreted and you get what you’re paying for.
What To Do and Not To Do When Hiring Interpreter Services
Here are some things to do and avoid when hiring interpreter services:
Do
Know your objective: Before you research interpreters, clarify the type of services you’re looking for and your goals so you can find more tailored solutions.
Research: One of the most important steps when hiring an interpreter is research. Many interpreter services exist, with varying levels of expertise and quality. To pick a suitable option, you must research different providers, explore their websites and understand their services.
Read reviews: Take time to review different provider websites and their testimonials. Look for positive customer feedback and reviews to ensure you work with a reliable interpreter.
Verify qualifications: Ask different providers about their interpreter qualifications and credentials, such as NAATI-certification.
Compare prices: After researching,narrow down your options and compare their prices to determine who offers the most value.
Test customer service: Before booking and paying for your interpreter, speak to the company’s customer service team over the phone or in person, and note how they treat you. This interaction can provide a better sense of their professionalism and what to expect from your interpreter.
Ask about privacy policies: It’s important to know your information is safe when working with an interpreter. To have peace of mind, ask your provider about their confidentiality policy and how they protect your privacy.
Read your contract: Interpreter companies must provide a written agreement that includes their privacy policy and the agreed-upon services and costs. Read through these details carefully to ensure you know what you’re agreeing to.
Book early: If you can, book your appointment with some time to spare. It’ll provide you with more time to prepare for your session.
Don’t
Skim on quality: While you might want a company with the lowest prices, that doesn’t necessarily mean high quality. Prioritising quality and affordability ensures you get the best value.
Rely on word of mouth: Recommendations are great for narrowing down interpreter options, but should be used as guidance. It’s important to do more in-depth research to ensure you’re picking quality services.
Use unverified services: Informal or unverified interpreter services can be unsafe and cost you your time and money. Look for reputable and credible services to ensure you have a positive experience.
Ignore red flags: Be aware of warning signs such as no NAATI accreditation or qualifications, very low prices, no written agreement or privacy policy, and poor reviews.
Do: Work With Trustworthy Companies Like Speak Your Language
Working with reputable language interpreters like Speak Your Language is most important on your to-do list. We offer professional, comprehensive interpretation services, including over-the-phone and in-person services. Our interpreters are NAATI-certified and ensure accurate, efficient and quality work.
