What is the best way to communicate
through
an Interpreter?
When speaking through an interpreter, it is important
to think carefully before speaking and keep in
mind the following
points:
Provide an agenda and study materials
to the Interpreter beforehand so that they can
prepare ahead of time
Brief the interpreter on
the purpose and topics to be discussed
Break your
speech every few sentences to allow the interpreter
to translate an appropriate amount of information
(consecutive interpretation)
Speak concisely and logically
Don’t bury
your key points in too much information
Use of
visual aids and written material is helpful (PowerPoints,
handouts, etc.)
Debrief the interpreter
following the meeting. They often can comment
on things that the English
speaker may not have noticed about the conversation or the Japanese counterpart.
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