When you’re looking for an interpreter to help you communicate at a professional caliber—especially for preliminary questionings, discoveries or court proceedings—you expect your message to be communicated clearly. Even if your communication needs are not very complex, you’ll probably have a feeling about what professional traits or set of traits work and what don’t.
Given your needs, interpreting companies like Languages in Motion strive to close the language gap between professionals and clients lacking fluency in English. Sometimes, wording is everything, and with that, we’ll look at 7 critical traits you should look for in an interpreter to make your meeting flow properly while using an interpreting service.
Certified & Professional
Professionalism is a must, and it makes the experience of communicating with your client using an interpreter during proceedings that much smoother. Language is one thing, but professionalism is a cultural element you’ll want included in communications, no matter the languages involved. Professionalism consists of proper training, certifications or accreditation specifically designed for interpreting in legal, medical, or court instances, provision of services in accordance with an industry-recognized Code of Ethics, strict adherence to confidentiality, and a clear understanding of the role of the interpreter; that being, an interpreter only, not an advisor, or an any form of counsel. Moreover, if your interpreter is new to the field, the lack of professional experience could set you back significantly.
Broadly Experienced
Industry experience is a very important factor when considering the flow of your meetings. Our history serving as language translation professionals has included a wide selection of industries so we understand the importance of learning terms and nuances particular to both the medical and legal sectors, as well as court. Considering scenarios can involve medical terminology as well as legal or corporate-specific terms, a broad understanding of both languages is paramount in order for your interpreter to effectively assist during your meeting. Consider the interpreter’s background and ask for their experience prior to booking the meeting..
Insured for Official Statements & Civil Liability
For scenarios involving police, legal obligations, or court matters, liability, and errors and omissions insurance grants peace of mind. Interpreters and translators should be insured before providing services, ensuring that the services you receive won’t end up costing you more in the worst-case scenarios. If you had to pay because of failure to translate correctly or of negligence on the interpreter’s side, language translation services would be much riskier to hire. Don’t be afraid to ask if the certified translator or certified court interpreters that you are hiring carries insurance. This will provide you peace of mind knowing that the interpreter or translator will be able to back up their translation.
Online & Virtual
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped how businesses and government proceed, so an interpreter must be able to provide their services using the most popular platforms or be adaptable to new technology. Interpreters should be trained at minimum on Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex, and Google Meet. In addition, interpreters should be willing and able to learn new technology in order to attend your meeting/conference. Languages in Motion, for example, provides an online interpreter platform service called LISA, for phone or video interpreters who are available digitally, 24/7. Interpreters at LiM have learned this platform and how it integrates with the more mainstream apps like Zoom, Teams etc.
Highly Responsive
If you’re in critical stages of negotiation or a complicated official process with speakers lacking fluency—you can’t afford to wait. You’ll need interpreters immediately and scheduling an interpreter might not be an option. LISA (Language Interpreting Service Application) helps during urgent scenarios by connecting you with a qualified interpreter in less than 30 seconds over the phone or by Video On-Demand.
Local & Networked
Toronto in Eastern Canada, and Vancouver and western Canada are hubs of intersecting peoples with diverse needs, cultures and languages. The advantage of being Canada-based provides you with a vast local talent pool to select from and many opportunities to bring people together, regardless of national origin, language or background. When looking for an interpreter, it’s important to consider where the interpreter resides. Culture is different in Canada and the US so a local interpreter will be even more proficient at helping you connect with people that share the same background as the interpreter.
Friendly
This last point might be the most understated trait needed, but it might also be the most important. Friendliness is a quality we all need in good communication, so you should find an interpreter who makes everyone around them feel at ease and accepted for who they are.
At Languages in Motion Ltd., our goal is to bring the world together through professional translation and interpreting services. With access to over 200 languages, including American Sign Language, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Arabic, we can help individuals, families, and businesses communicate more clearly than ever before. Our certified translators and interpreters have worked in numerous industries, including the Public Sector (Police, Healthcare, Court, Education, and Government & Municipalities), Healthcare, Finance, Local and International Law Firms, Marketing, Insurance Companies, and Private/Independent Medical Clinics, Law and Order, and Immigration. Our experience, passion for delivering results, commitment to clients, and enthusiasm for building relationships are why we are recognized as the best in the translation industry. Contact our team of certified translators and interpreters from Toronto to Winnipeg to Calgary and Vancouver today at 1-888-556-5541.
