Foreign Translations of Your Talk - How Do You Ensure Your Message is Delivered Properly?

There are a number of possibilities as to how this might be done. Sometimes, a conference organiser or corporation will provide a translator who sits in a sound proofed booth, simultaneously translating what you say, and feeding that translation into headphones worn by those who speak the foreign language. In that situation, little adjustment is needed, other than to perhaps briefly meet with the translator beforehand, to let them know about any unusual words or phrases that you plan to use.

If a live translator is being provided (that is someone that stands on stage with you, repeating each sentence after you), this needs an entirely different approach. Because of the time consumed by waiting for the translator to speak, you will have to lose at least half of your planned material. It's not easy to present a talk in this way, but if there is no other choice you'll have to go with the flow and try to concentrate on your part as best you can.

In both situations, it is helpful to provide a copy of your notes to the translator. Other tips are to speak slowly and clearly, avoiding jargon, acronyms and jokes - they do not translate easily.

At the very least, learn a short sentence or two in the native language of the group that you are presenting to, the translator can help you with this. Your effort to do that will show a sincere, genuine interest and will be highly appreciated by the audience.

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