Did you know that even the most experienced interpreters can miss crucial details when thrown into specialized situations without proper preparation? This can potentially derail your entire case, meeting, or conference.
Just as no attorney would enter a courtroom without reviewing case law, no professional interpreter should begin their work without adequate preparation. The more information they have about your event or case, the better they will interpret.
The Interpreter’s Challenge: Master of Many Domains
Attorneys graduate from law schools and doctors earn their medical degrees, and all the years of study allow them to become knowledgeable in their specialty. An interpreter needs to master the specialized vocabulary in 2 or more languages, without obtaining the specialized training the individuals practicing the specific profession do.
Additionally, due to the shortfall of interpretation demand in many fields (rarely can an interpreter remain employed full-time by working in a narrow, specialized field), interpreters develop broad, multiple fields of expertise.
While they develop broad knowledge in these fields, the highly specialized nature of certain subject matter can create significant challenges. You cannot interpret what you cannot understand.
The Solution: Setting Your Interpreter Up for Success
Providing materials in advance is essential for quality interpretation. With proper preparation, interpreters can:
- Create comprehensive, topic-specific glossaries
- Research unfamiliar concepts and terminology
- Understand the context and objectives of your event
- Anticipate potential communication challenges
This preparation directly translates to higher quality interpretation and a smoother experience for everyone involved.
Checklist of What to Provide to Your Interpreter
Depending on your event, consider providing the following information…
Deposition/Hearing/Trial:
- Dates and names
- Deposition notice
- Background materials (police reports, medical reports, patent information, etc.)
Meeting:
- Agenda
- Names of participants and/or speakers
- Speaker’s resume/CV
- Company website
- Background materials (statement of purpose, participants, etc.)
Conference:
- Speaker’s resume/CV
- Presentation materials (e.g., handouts, slides)
- Conference website
- Outline (of the conference, seminar/presentation, written speech, speaking notes, etc.)
Preparation Equals Performance
Clear, accurate communication requires thoughtful preparation from both interpreters and the professionals who hire them.
Take the time to provide your interpreter with the materials they need to excel, and you’ll see the difference in the quality of communication that follows.
Need help finding a qualified interpreter who will make the most of your preparation materials? Contact us today to learn more about our professional interpretation services.