Let’s say you’re about to negotiate a major business deal, like acquiring a company in Dubai. Would you bring along someone who “knows a bit about business” to advise you on the acquisition? Probably not. So why on earth would you trust someone with a “good level of English”, and not a professional interpret, to support you during such a sensitive situation?
Once upon a time there was a social media post…
This is exactly what I stumbled upon in a Facebook group recently. A gentleman was looking for someone to accompany him to Dubai and help out during a business meeting. The only qualification? A “good level of English.” I kindly pointed out that a professional interpreter might be a wiser choice for such a sensitive situation. His response was baffling: “A non-professional will do, this isn’t a court hearing.”
Ah, yes, because complex business negotiations are basically the same as asking for directions to the nearest pizza restaurant.
The comment section didn’t disappoint, either. Someone helpfully mentioned that their cousin had done something similar – and we all know the legendary versatility of the Italian cuggino, who moonlights as a mechanic, accountant, and wedding DJ when he’s not dabbling in high-stakes corporate interpreting.
My personal favourite? A woman who offered her services because she speaks English and is familiar with the Dubai real estate market. Fluency in English and knowledge of local property prices is all you need to close a corporate acquisition, apparently.
Why business deals are no place for amateurs
Let’s get serious for a second. Business deals, especially those involving international markets and large sums of money, are not the place to wing it. Professional interpreters don’t just translate words; they convey meaning, nuance, and cultural context. They ensure nothing gets lost in translation (like, say, the part where you accidentally agree to buy the company’s debts along with its assets).
What makes a professional interpreter?
Professional interpreters are highly skilled experts who do far more than simply repeat words in another language. They master industry-specific terminology, manage cultural differences, and maintain impartiality, all while ensuring the tone and intention of each speaker are preserved. They’re trained to think on their feet, process information rapidly, and deliver accurate interpretations without missing a beat.
Consecutive interpreting: the go-to method
For scenarios like business meetings, the go-to interpreting mode is consecutive interpreting. This is where the speaker talks for a short segment, then pauses while the interpreter conveys the message in the other language. It allows for a smoother, more structured flow of dialogue, ensuring that key details aren’t lost or distorted. It also gives the interpreter time to relay the message with the right nuance – crucial when you’re negotiating deals.
The art of note-taking
A vital part of consecutive interpreting is the interpreter’s note-taking technique. This isn’t your average shopping list scribble. Interpreters use a specialised system of symbols, abbreviations and structure to analyse what they hear and capture key ideas. These notes allow them to faithfully reconstruct entire sections of speech, preserving accuracy and nuance. It’s a skill that takes years to master – not something anyone from a random Facebook group who “knows English” can pull off on the fly.
The importance of preparation
Interpreting isn’t just about showing up and parroting a message in another language. I wouldn’t dream of walking into a meeting without having done the necessary preparation beforehand. That means researching the company, understanding the industry and familiarising myself with key terminology in both languages. Without this groundwork, even the most skilled interpreter would struggle to deliver accurate, nuanced communication. Preparation ensures I enter that meeting ready to handle whatever comes my way, whether it’s financial jargon, legal terms or cultural subtleties.
The bottom line: hire a professional interpreter
A non-professional might know enough English to order a coffee or chat about the weather, but that doesn’t mean they’re equipped to handle complex terminology, financial jargon, or delicate negotiations. Miscommunication in these settings can lead to misunderstandings, financial losses, or even legal troubles – though I suppose the client won’t mind, because hey, “it’s not a court hearing,” right?
So, next time you’re planning a high-stakes business meeting, remember: you wouldn’t trust your cousin Giuseppe to rewire your office just because he once changed a lightbulb. Hire a professional. Your future self will thank you.
Need a professional interpreter for your next big deal (or anything less ridiculous than this scenario)? I know a guy. Spoiler alert: it’s me.
********************
I’m an Italian translator and interpreter based in London, helping clients across the UK (and beyond) communicate effectively with their Italian stakeholders. My specialties include simultaneous interpreting at multilingual conferences and events, along with marketing and creative translation. Need help communicating in languages other than Italian? Let’s talk! I can put you in touch with the right people or, better yet, organise the entire interpreting provision for your event, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Make sure you check out Word Of Mouth Translations, the company I co-founded, for your wider-reaching language needs.
