Across Languages

20 Tips for Communicating with your Client through an Interpreter1

  1. Allow enough time. It may take longer to complete an interpreted interview.
  2. Allow time for introductions and for the interpreter to explain the role to both you and your client.
  3. Briefly explain your role and the purpose of the interview.
  4. Arrange seating so that you have eye contact with your client.
  5. Speak directly to your client, not to the interpreter.
  6. Direct the interview. The interpreter's role is to interpret what is said, impartially, accurately and completely, not to manage the interview.
  7. Speak at normal speed, in a normal tone of voice unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
  8. Allow pauses for the interpreter to deliver the interpretation.
  9. The interpreter will let you know if you are speaking too quickly.
  10. Be supportive if the interpreter interrupts for clarification to ensure accuracy.
  11. Avoid double negatives, idioms, jargon, slang and acronyms.
  12. In general, neither you nor your client should have "sidebar" discussions with the interpreter. 
  13. If you do clarify anything with the interpreter, explain to your client what you are doing.
  14. Expect that the content of any exchanges between the interpreter and your client will be interpreted to you.
  15. Do not expect the interpreter to give opinions, advice or assess the credibility or state of mind of your client.
  16. Do not expect the interpreter to remain alone with your client when no interpreting is taking place.
  17. If you require oral translation of a document, remain with your client while the interpreter delivers the oral translation.
  18. Allow the interpreter some time to review the document before saying it aloud in the other language. The document should be relatively short.
  19. Do not expect the interpreter to provide written translations of documents. Written translation is a job for a qualified translator, not the interpreter.
  20. Before the interview ends, give your client an opportunity to ask for clarification of anything he or she may not have understood.

1 Copyright Across Languages Translation and Interpretation Service, London, Ontario, Canada, 2006. May be used or shared for non-commercial purposes only, provided Across Languages is acknowledged as the source.