Imagine the following scenario: Your company has paid a lot of money to send you and a colleague to a significant international trade show, where you set up a gorgeous stand and prepared all the samples and publicity material you could possibly need. And then, as you struggle to communicate with your booth visitors, you realize that you have overlooked the one thing that could have really made a difference: a qualified trade show interpreter.
Alternatively, it could be a significant business meeting between your company and another, rather than a trade show. There’s no one there to assist you, but you’d love to be able to find out what they really think of your business proposal as they mutter to each other. Do you recognize this?
Many business travellers have experienced both of these scenarios, and they will not make the same costly mistakes twice. These days, they take no chances and employ qualified interpreters to steer clear of embarrassing circumstances such as these.
In addition to providing a more polished presentation for your business, an interpreter can translate instantly between the two languages, giving you more time to consider your message. Depending on the type of service you need, an interpreter can be consecutive—waiting for you to finish a sentence before translating—or simultaneous—translating as you speak, with only a few seconds of delay. Additionally, they will be somewhat knowledgeable about the topic and will have discussed any difficult details with you in advance to ensure that there are no hiccups in the explanation of your concepts or product. You will be able to give your full attention to your business, which is what matters most to you both.
Even if you’ve already prepared everything in twelve different languages, you can never be too sure what questions a customer will likely ask. An interpreter truly shines in this situation. An interpreter will verbally translate concepts from one language to another on the spot, providing you with the flexibility you so desperately need at a trade show. Translation is written, prepared, and polished beforehand.
So when should you use an interpreter?
When you wish to communicate quickly and fluidly rather than fumbling over words;
When you are most likely to feel anxious;
if you specialize in a complicated or technical field;
When prospective clients are most likely to ask questions;
When you want to present a more agreeable impression;
when cultural distinctions may be significant;
In situations where data may be private or delicate;
When elucidating legal terminology or provisions;
When you need a third party who is impartial and objective and won’t judge you—unlike your friends or family!
Anytime you want to speak clearly and professionally while attending an international trade show!