Working with Groups → Multi-language meetings

Multi-language meetings

The success and quality of your meetings rely on everyone being able to contribute their views and information.

Conducting meetings either entirely in English or in local languages will exclude key players and reduce effectiveness.

Options for Interpretation

Whispering interpreting  – useful when only one or two people require interpretation, but can be distracting.

Liaison interpreting  – the interpreter translates a few sentences at a time, or summarises at intervals.   Effective in short sessions but can become tedious and time-consuming.

Consecutive Interpreting  – interpreter listens to a longer exchange of information, takes notes, then translates. Difficult to keep people’s attention, but useful when simultaneous equipment is unavailable.

Simultaneous Interpreting  – requires booths, microphones, consoles, headsets and technicians. Useful in large conferences or formal meetings but requires technology and high level of skill.  See http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/translation/interpreting-equipment.html

Combining Translation and Interpretation

Selective interpreting

• prepare translated key points and agendas on flipchart, handouts or PowerPoint;
• incorporate small group discussions in different languages to encourage sharing of views and ideas; and,
• include interpretation of the summaries and action points in the main group.

Written summaries

• simultaneous, summarised written translation can be done on computer and projected onto a screen using OneNote software or similar. This also provides the basis for meeting minutes.

These options can maximise engagement and minimise disruption.