Working Effectively with an Interpreter

• When greeting your clients, talk to them directly. Even if they do not understand what you are saying, your body language and tone of voice will tell them that you care. This way you will establish bond and trust necessary for successful conversation.
• Be aware of the cultural differences. In some countries handshake is not appropriate, and the lack of eye contact actually shows respect. Go to Massachusetts General Hospital Medical Interpreter Services to get some info about different cultures (click on the country about which you wish to research). 
• Speak directly to your clients as if the interpreter were not present. For example, instead of saying, “Ask her if she ate this morning,” you should ask your client directly “Have you eaten this morning?”            

       The most important relationship is that between you and your client.

• Speak at a moderate pace and pause frequently to not overwhelm interpreter with too much information.
• Avoid slang, professional jargon (highly technical terminology), and idioms. Many concepts in our language have no equivalency in other languages. 
• Check for client’s understanding. Due to cultural or personal issues, sometimes your clients will feel intimidated and fail to ask questions even when not understanding everything clearly.
• Avoid side conversations with the interpreter in the presence of your client. If you need to address the interpreter, inform the client about it first.