When taking the first steps towards exporting your products or services, the importance of using professional interpreters cannot be underestimated. If you need to participate in a meeting to negotiate an important contract you will need to understand what is being said. Similarly, if you have to host a visit for a group of overseas investors, you will need to be able to explain your business and what it can offer.

These are the moments that can make or break a sale and let’s face it, if you cannot communicate in the same language how are you ever going to win that contract?

Meetings, negotiations, trade fairs and overseas visits are great opportunities to win new clients but if you don’t have the necessary language skills yourself, they could be wasted. Hiring a professional interpreter, either from the UK or when you get overseas, can enable you to communicate confidently with non-English speaking contacts. It could break the ice and help you to promote your business and what it can offer.

You can hire interpreters who are based in the country you are travelling to by enquiring at the local embassy. Alternatively, you can take a UK-based interpreter with you for the assignment, in which case you should contact your local Chamber of Commerce or Regional Language Network.

There are many kinds of interpreters, including those who specialise in conference interpreting or business interpreting and you will need to make sure you understand the assignment before you book your interpreter as they all specialise in different industries.

When using interpreters you should speak slowly and concisely to allow your interpreter to clearly relay what you have said to your foreign counterparts. Jargon, jokes and overuse of technical terms should be avoided as these often don’t translate and could confuse your non-English speaking contacts.

Your interpreter will be grateful for any materials you can provide in advance of the meeting, conference or exhibition as it will help them to prepare for the assignment give them time to translate any technical terminology being used during the event. In fact, interpreters appreciate being given any information prior to the assignment so remember to keep in regular contact.

Learn more about interpreters. Stop by Frances Berry’s site where you can find out all about choosing an interpreter for your business language requirements.