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What type of event are you holding? What to do and what not to do to make sure it goes well and you make the right impression with your Chinese counterparts - Choosing the right english to chinese interpreter and proper preparation can make all the difference.

“Hello, we’re holding negotiations with a Chinese company here and we need your help please. The interpreters they’ve brought with them from China are not doing the job properly – it is very one-sided! Can you make them interpret properly for us please?”

It is hard to believe when negotiating for a major project that a company would not protect its interests to ensure that they had the right deal and no hidden traps by engaging their own Mandarin Translators. Not only that, they would have saved a great deal of time and money with talks that proceeded smoothly and quickly.

No matter what the Event, We can Help You

Our experience includes:

Translator chinese to english or english to chinese - What subjects do you have experience in?

I am meeting with Chinese businesspeople and need a good Chinese interpreter, what should I do?

That is a great question - yes, you need an interpreter - a good one to ensure that everything said is fully and correctly interpreted, to properly represent you, and to adhere to correct etiquette and so that you know exactly where you stand.

A poor interpreter can cause big problems for you

Many businesspeople come to us after learning the hard way and getting the deal from hell by relying on the interpreter provided by the Chinese side. That's like letting the other team's coach in on your game plan!

The interpreter you engage must be good - what is their English like - you can judge that; qualifications, experience, references - you can ask around.

A good Chinese interpreter can add heaps of value and save you lots

We always start by asking questions: what language/s are going to be spoken? What type of meeting or event is it? What is the subject matter to be discussed? What are you trying to achieve? There are many, many interpreters who work in hospitals, schools and at the social security office - they might be good at dealing with day-to-day personal issues, but would you trust them in a business negotiation? We do this every day, let us help you to get it right.

Advice to get the best result

We will work with you to ensure the best result for you, by advising you on important issues like preparation, support materials, seating plan and how to work with your interpreter to get the most out of the event. First and foremost is the selection and preparation of the most suitable interpreter for your important event. If the interpreter isn't right, neither is your deal safe.

How should I work with a Chinese interpreter to get what I want?

Number one – have your own interpreter

First and foremost in business meetings you need to have your own interpreter on your side looking after YOUR interests. If you rely on the other side's interpreter, you’ll be completely in the dark and you won't get the deal you want - they will.

What to do when working with the interpreter

Speak directly to your client (not the interpreter) and always use the first person. For example: use "How are you?" rather than, "Ask him how he is."

Use short sentences and do not speak for too long or the interpreter may not be able to write down or remember everything.

Choose language which is easy to understand and explain any difficult terms and concepts. Try to avoid using slang or colloquialisms as these are very hard or, in most cases, impossible to interpret.

Depending on the subject, brief the interpreter prior to the meeting, particularly in relation to technical or complex matters.

Providing a list of terminology in advance will assist the interpreter to prepare. As much or more time will be put into preparation than in the actual interpreting work.

What is the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting and which one do I need?

As the names suggest, consecutive interpreting occurs when a speaker speaks, pauses and then the interpreter interprets what was just said. This type of interpreting means your exchange takes twice as long.

Simultaneous interpreting occurs in real time with no delay. The speaker speaks, interpreters (there needs to be a team of at least 2 interpreters) listen through headphones and interpret at the same time into the other language. This mode of interpreting requires specialised equipment: soundproof booths, headphones, receivers, and headsets for the listeners. As this is the most demanding type of interpreting, interpreters are specially trained. Costs are higher too as provision of the specialised facilities, technical support and a team of interpreters need to be factored in.

The type of interpreting you need will depend on the event you are having, number of participants, time and budget – we can guide you and make all the arrangements for you to make it successful.

I don't speak Chinese, how will I know if the interpreter did a good job and got my important proposal across?

Here are some important tips

You may not speak any Chinese, but there are a few clues which will certainly help you:

Do you have your own interpreter? It is very risky to rely on the other side.

Does the interpreter take notes.

Do questions being asked appear logical and confirm understanding.

Do long passages get translated briefly like one word responses.

Does the interpreter confuse numbers or get 'he' and 'she' mixed up.

Can you understand the interpreter when speaking English.

Does the interpreter forget you and engage with the other side directly.

Can you discuss strategy and seek counsel from your interpreter.

Check their references and experience – make sure they are up to the task before engaging them.

How long will it take?

Another good question.  A good consecutive interpreter should deliver a full interpretation of your words in the same amount of time it took you to say them; occasionally in a negotiation, clarifications are required - but budget on an engagement with consecutive interpreting taking twice as long - your speaker/s and then interpreter/s.  Simultaneous Interpreting runs in real time with no delay and no extra time required.

How much will it cost?

You get what you pay for! What is the nature of your event or meeting and how important is it to you? An interpreter is a professional - degree qualified and experienced. A good interpreter will spend time preparing and researching for your job - you'd expect them to prepare properly, wouldn’t you! You are paying for experience and to safeguard your future. The more experienced and in demand interpreters command higher fees – a good one is going to save you heaps in efficiency and speed and diminish your risk and boost your all-important face. The fee will not only depend on experience, but also the nature of the work, the duration of the event and the degree of difficulty.

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CHINESE TRANSLATION SPECIALISTS

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