While not a major focus of our trip, whether you realize it or not you likely will work with “informal” interpreters throughout your journey (e.g., Chinese students who might spend time with us, English Corner, etc.), and this will likely be a part of the experience I will attempt to place before you.

Thus, you may see me pop into one or more of your conversations and point out that when using a translator, you need to be sure to position yourself where the translator can clearly see your lips and hear you, be sure and talk to the the Chinese speaking person you are supposed to be communicating with and NOT the translator, try to pause to let your interpreter catch up with you, etc.

Sounds like common sense, right? Yet while some these mechanics came easily and naturally for some, others will struggle.

See this must read from the Imagethief, an excellent public relations and communications blog, titled “How To Work With Interpreters” to learn more about this very important topic.

China will likely not be the first and only place where you have to give consideration to the hiring and use of interpreters in your business career, whether it’s a foreign delegation visiting your firm here in the US, or, you traveling abroad for business.

Best to learn and practice these skills now, rather than risk coming off as clumsy when you next encounter this situation.

See also/read this very good China Law Blog post,  How To Speak Through A Chinese Interpreter.