What strategies can you use to improve communication in translation and interpretation projects?

1 Know your purpose

Before you start any communication, you need to know your purpose. What are you trying to achieve with your message? What are the expectations and needs of your audience? How do you want them to respond or act? Knowing your purpose will help you choose the appropriate tone, style, format, and channel for your communication. For example, if you are a translator and you need to clarify a term or a concept with your client, you might use a polite and concise email. If you are an interpreter and you need to convey a complex or sensitive message, you might use a clear and respectful speech.

3 Know your context

A third strategy is to know your context. Where and when are you communicating? What are the norms, rules, and expectations of the situation? How does the context affect the meaning and the impact of your message? Knowing your context will help you adapt your message to the situation. For example, if you are a translator and you are working on a website, you might consider the layout, design, and functionality of the site. If you are an interpreter and you are working in a conference, you might consider the setting, the agenda, and the speakers of the event.

4 Use feedback

A fourth strategy is to use feedback. How do you know if your communication is effective? How can you improve your communication skills? How can you resolve any misunderstandings or conflicts? Using feedback will help you evaluate and adjust your communication. For example, if you are a translator and you receive comments or corrections from your client or your reviewer, you might use them to learn and improve your translation quality. If you are an interpreter and you receive questions or reactions from your audience or your speakers, you might use them to check and clarify your interpretation accuracy.

5 Use tools

A fifth strategy is to use tools. What tools can you use to support your communication? How can you use them wisely and ethically? Using tools will help you enhance and facilitate your communication. For example, if you are a translator and you need to research or verify information, you might use dictionaries, glossaries, or online resources. If you are an interpreter and you need to deliver or receive messages, you might use headphones, microphones, or video platforms.

6 Use collaboration

A sixth and final strategy is to use collaboration. How can you work with others to improve your communication? How can you build trust and rapport with your collaborators? Using collaboration will help you enrich and optimize your communication. For example, if you are a translator and you need to coordinate or harmonize your work with other translators, you might use style guides, terminology databases, or communication platforms. If you are an interpreter and you need to cooperate or complement your work with other interpreters, you might use team interpreting, relay interpreting, or peer feedback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?