| You have finally decided to make real your desire to | | | | Many tend to look at the person to whom they are |
| visit Russia, Ukraine or some other republic of the | | | | speaking (the interpreter); however, it is extremely |
| former Soviet Union to conduct business, take in | | | | important for you to look at your Russian |
| some sight-seeing or to indulge your hopes of finding | | | | counterpart instead to build a bond. When deciding |
| your better half (smart choice). You do not take this | | | | where to sit, make certain not to place your |
| lightly and you have done your homework to learn | | | | interpreter between yourself and your Russian |
| about the traditions, culture and places you want to | | | | colleague. |
| visit. You feel fairly prepared for the adventure to | | | | 3. Pause often to allow for interpretation. |
| come but a stark reality remains to be confronted -- | | | | You will have to alter the length of time you are |
| you don't speak Russian fluently. Yes, this can be a | | | | accustomed to speaking. Make certain you pause |
| big challenge and this might signal the opportune time | | | | after a long sentence or couple sentences. When the |
| to utilize the services of an interpreter. | | | | subject matter is especially important, stop after |
| For some such a service might be helpful while | | | | every sentence and allow the interpreter to finish |
| communicating and calling your Russian friend who | | | | before you continue. (It is challenging at first to |
| does not speak English fluently or even with enough | | | | communicate through interpreter as it literally takes |
| proficiency to make sufficient conversation. Perhaps | | | | twice as long to say something, but patience will be |
| you feel it will provide the needed edge in your | | | | one of the keys to successful communication.) |
| business dealings? Regardless of one's near-term | | | | 4. Never say anything you don't want others to hear. |
| motivation, one needs to communicate effectively | | | | While this sounds simple, even in case when your |
| with someone in their native tongue to provide each | | | | Russian counterpart is using an interpreter, remember |
| interaction with the potential to be more successful. | | | | that they might understand some English. It is often |
| Hiring an interpreter can be a great initial move, but | | | | the case that Russians know some English and |
| don't assume that your communication problems are | | | | understand much more than they are able to |
| solved automatically the moment you make the | | | | articulate. Minimize your embarrassment by avoiding |
| decision. In fact, your challenges may just be starting. | | | | saying anything that you would not share with a |
| Based on my interpreting experience for both large | | | | native English speaker. |
| corporate clients and individual customers, I would like | | | | 5. Follow up with a written summary of what was |
| to share some simple tips to help make all of your | | | | discussed. |
| communication as effective as it can be. | | | | Not only is this a smart business practice, but this |
| Tamara's five simple rules for using an interpreter | | | | demonstrates your commitment to open and clear |
| 1. Discuss your game plan ahead of time. | | | | communication. Take note of any decisions that were |
| Whenever possible, make an effort to discuss the | | | | made as this might help to clear up some points. |
| subject of the meeting with your interpreter in | | | | As always, remain calm, patient and positive (smile) |
| advance unless it is an everyday dialog. To interpret | | | | when communicating though interpreter. When you |
| successfully, he or she needs to know the main | | | | look comfortable, those around you will feel more at |
| points you plan to make before you make them. | | | | ease also. If you make sure your interpreter knows |
| 2. Keep eye contact with the person with whom you | | | | what you are talking about, you chances to succeed |
| wish to communicate. | | | | will be much higher. |