The Advantages Of Using Professional Interpreters When Doing Business Overseas

Written By: Frances Berry on March 2, 2010 No Comment

Using the services of professional interpreters when selling your products or services overseas cannot be taken too lightly. After all, how damaging to the business relationship would it be if you could not understand what was being said at an important negotiation with potential clients? Or if you failed to make your overseas investors comprehend exactly what your business can offer them during a tour of the premises?

These are the moments that can make or break a sale and let’s face it, if you cannot communicate in the same language how are you ever going to win that contract?

Overseas visits, trade exhibitions, meetings and negotiations offer the perfect opening to gain new customers but if you don’t have the relevant language skills yourself or within your organisation, these opportunities could be wasted. Using a professional interpreter, hired either in the country of your visit or from the UK, can help you to communicate with confidence. It could enable you to break the ice with your non-English speaking contacts and then go on to sell your product or service.

Interpreters can be booked from the UK, either by contacting an organisation such as the Regional Language Network or your local Chamber of Commerce. Alternatively, you can use an interpreter based in the country you are traveling to, in which case you are best advised to contact the local embassy.

There are many kinds of interpreters, including those who specialise in conference interpreting or business interpreting and you will need to make sure you understand the assignment before you book your interpreter as they all specialise in different industries.

When using professional interpreters it is important to remember to speak clearly and slowly to enable your interpreter to relay the correct information to your overseas counterparts. Try to avoid jokes, jargon and clichs as these usually don’t translate anyway and if they do they are most likely to confuse your non-English speaking contacts.

Your interpreter will be grateful for any materials you can provide in advance of the meeting, conference or exhibition as it will help them to prepare for the assignment give them time to translate any technical terminology being used during the event. In fact, interpreters appreciate being given any information prior to the assignment so remember to keep in regular contact.

Want to find out more about choosing an intrepreter, then visit Frances Berry’s site on how to choose the best interpreters for your business needs.