Entering foreign markets is a huge step forward for your company. However, it usually means dealing with a number of new challenges. Establishing relations with your international partners and having to overcome language barriers during business meetings is one of them – and in such circumstances, understanding each other is crucial.
It may be that some of your employees are not fluent speakers of foreign languages. If business meeting participants speak different languages, communication can turn into a source of misunderstanding and unnecessary stress, and potential errors can generate additional costs in the long run. However, these issues can easily be avoided – by hiring a simultaneous interpreter for your business meeting.
Simultaneous interpretation: what is it?
Different types of interpretation can be confusing, but it’s worth to take a look at them to understand their usage. Consecutive interpreter interprets a part of speech after it’s finished. So first, the speaker speaks, and then the interpreter conveys the message, usually with the help of notes prepared during the speech. A simultaneous interpreter transfers the message during the speech, which helps save a lot of time.
Use of simultaneous interpretation
During large international meetings and conferences, simultaneous interpreters work in soundproof booths using designated headsets. A good option for small meetings is whispered simultaneous interpreting (chuchotage); the interpreter transfers the message in a low voice to a small number of listeners (usually 1–3 people) nearby. If there are more foreign language speakers at the meeting, you can opt for interpretation using tour guide sets. This technique requires special equipment and hiring at least two interpreters, but it is a good option if the number of foreign language speakers is more or less the same as the number of participants speaking your language.
How to prepare?
The interpreter will surely appreciate any information about the company, the scope of its activity and the subject of the meeting you can provide. If the company operates in a sector where specialist vocabulary is used, such information is crucial. Please note that the more information you provide to the interpreter, the better they can prepare for the meeting, which leads to higher quality of their services. Also, consider choosing a meeting place with proper acoustic insulation and make sure that the participants don’t talk at once, as this might hinder the interpreter’s work or even make it impossible.
Is it worth hiring a simultaneous interpreter for a business meeting?
Wages on the simultaneous interpreting market can be intimidating, but there’s a reason behind it. Simultaneous interpreters need to be perfectly prepared to do their job, which entails great intellectual effort, stress and psychological burden. However, their services assure a comfort of negotiation and reduce the risk of misunderstandings between the meeting participants. Hiring a simultaneous interpreter for your international business meeting shows your professional attitude, which in turn boosts the company image and will not pass unnoticed by your business partners.
