We provide professional Mandarin business interpretation services for business meetings, such as:
- Board meetings
- Earnings conference calls (telephonic)
- Business negotiations
- Training and technical workshops
- Marketing activities
- Press conferences
- Interviews
Tips for Clients: How to achieve the best outcome
1. Hire interpreters early
Most business meetings are interpreted consecutively. Refer to our post Interpretation: consecutive or simultaneous? for more information.
For uncommon languages, such as Mandarin business interpretation services, alway schedule interpreters early. The interpreters’ competence makes a big different in the outcome. The earlier you schedule, the more likely you are to retain certified interpreters of your choice. It is particularly important if you need two or three interpreters.
2. Budget for two or three interpreters
Interpretation is not a perfect science. Hiring team interpreters can significantly improve accuracy.
We strongly recommend clients hire two interpreters and have them alternate as the active interpreter and the check interpreter. The check interpreter verifies the interpretation accuracy.
If the client elects to hire only one interpreter, a 10-minute break for every 45-50 minute session is mandatory to relieve interpreter fatigue.
To get a better understanding of the accuracy of interpretation, read our blog:
What You Don’t Know About Interpreting: How Good Are Court Certified Interpreters?
3. Verify interpreter qualifications for Mandarin business interpretation services
If two or three interpreters are hired, make sure that every interpreter’s qualifications are verified. Interview the interpreters if necessary.
4. Provide materials to interpreters early
Preparation is critical for the outcome of an interpreted event.
The rule of thumb is that for any prepared speeches and presentations, the scripts and PowerPoint slides should be made available to interpreters beforehand.
For semi-prepared events such as interviews or press conferences, the outlines or drafts should be provided to interpreters beforehand.
If you have other materials such as websites, reports, materials from previous meetings, and other pertinent information, please provide them early to interpreters.
Sometimes clients are unwilling to provide materials due to confidentiality concerns. Clients may request interpreters to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before sharing any documents. Professional interpreters will abide by confidentiality even without an NDA, because it is one of the ethics tenets.
5. Mind the boundary: Avoid offhand remarks
Interpreters are neutral and are obliged to interpret everything, good or bad. If there is anything you do not wish others to hear, do not say it.
6. Mind the boundary: Avoid engaging interpreters in side conversations
Again, interpreters are neutral and should remain impartial throughout the meetings. Interpreters cannot give advice or answer questions.
Interpreters should avoid perceived bias which may arise from engaging with parties in private conversations. Clients should also refrain from engaging the interpreters in such conversations.