Are you entering a foreign market, negotiating with international partners, or presenting to a multilingual audience? In such cases, professional interpreting is not just a helpful tool – it's essential for clear, smooth, and confident communication.
To get the best results, an interpreter needs more than language skills – your preparation matters too. This article outlines how to prepare for business interpreting, what interpreting formats are available, and what to keep in mind during the meeting. Because when it comes to interpreting, every detail counts.
1. Choose the right type of interpreting
Interpreting isn’t a one-size-fits-all service – it depends on the setting, the audience, and the format of the meeting:
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Consecutive interpreting
The interpreter translates after the speaker finishes a section of speech. This format is ideal for business meetings, smaller presentations, or press briefings. It allows for natural interaction and direct contact with the audience.
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Simultaneous interpreting
The interpreter listens and speaks at the same time as the speaker. Commonly used at conferences or multilingual events, this format requires interpreting equipment (booths, microphones, headsets) and ensures smooth, uninterrupted delivery.
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Escort (liaison) interpreting
Best suited for informal settings – company tours, trade shows, site visits, or business travel. The interpreter stays with the client and translates short exchanges as needed.
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Remote (online) interpreting
Increasingly popular for video calls, webinars, and online meetings. It requires reliable technology, stable internet, and experience with virtual communication tools.
Tip: For important or sensitive meetings, always consult with your provider in advance to choose the most suitable interpreting format – depending on participant count, tech requirements, and expectations.
2. What to prepare in advance?
Even the most skilled interpreter can't deliver top-quality results without input from you. With proper preparation, an interpreter can handle even complex terminology or sensitive topics – as long as they receive the necessary materials on time.
Recommended materials:
- agenda, participant names, and meeting topics
- presentations, product sheets, marketing collateral
- internal terminology, abbreviations, industry-specific terms
- expected interpreting direction (e.g., EN–DE) and cultural context (e.g., appropriate forms of address)
Goal: Help the interpreter understand the context, your messaging tone, and the communication structure. That way, they can accurately reflect both meaning and intent.
3. What to expect during the interpreting?
When interpreting is done well, it often goes unnoticed – it simply works. To make that happen, it’s helpful to follow a few basic principles:
- in consecutive interpreting, pause regularly for the interpreter to translate
- in simultaneous interpreting, allow for technical setup (booth, headset, microphone)
- speak clearly, avoid overly long or complex sentences
- announce topic changes or communication shifts in advance
- allow the interpreter access to visual materials or presentations
Note: A professional interpreter can handle improvisation, but always appreciates knowing what’s coming.
4. Additional practical tips
Give the interpreter time to familiarize themselves with the setting – especially when meeting formats change.
In online environments, ensure good audio, lighting, and connection quality.
For multilingual meetings, consider full simultaneous interpreting with proper equipment.
Treat the interpreter as part of your team – not just an external service.
In conclusion
High-quality interpreting is more than just translating words – it’s a bridge between cultures, a tool for building trust, and a way to achieve business goals. When you provide your interpreter with time and materials, they can deliver a performance that may help you unlock new opportunities – or even seal a major deal.
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