If you are hosting guests from overseas who may not speak English well and you want to make sure they are welcomed and included in your event, you must consider interpreting services – especially simultaneous or ‘live’ interpreting (also called “conference interpreting”).

In an increasingly globalised Australia, events drawing attendees from different countries and language backgrounds rely heavily on experienced simultaneous NAATI interpreters. Think industry summits in tech or finance, sporting competitions, bilateral meetings and even workshops and large-scale events.

For instance, at the Mastercard Summit 2023 in Sydney and at Cisco Live in Melbourne, CHIN supplied conference interpreters in multiple languages along with simultaneous interpreting equipment. Both events welcomed international guests, customers and partners to learn about products, trends, and initiatives. Given that not all participants were fluent in English, the presence of simultaneous interpreters was critical to ensuring clear understanding for all guests. It was one of the main reasons why both summits were such successful events. Not only that, doing it ‘live’ or in real time meant that no time was lost through interpreting and everyone felt included.

Unfortunately, more often than not, booking simultaneous interpreters often becomes an afterthought relegated to event agencies. This can result in last-minute scrambles, searching Google for a trustworthy and respected translation company that can provide a pair of NAATI-conference interpreters. In the worst-case scenario, the necessary interpreting equipment may not even be available for your event. Imagine the frustration and missed opportunities: key presentations lost in translation, missed networking opportunities, and valuable insights inaccessible to a portion of your audience – embarrassing. It’s a scenario no event organiser wants to face.

To ensure this doesn’t happen at your event, plan ahead and talk to your language translation provider as soon as possible. Below is our advice to our clients and points to consider when booking simultaneous interpreters for your event.

7 Pointers for Booking Simultaneous Interpreters for Your Event:

1. Book experienced simultaneous interpreters

Ensure that you ask for CVs and confirm that the interpreters you hire have simultaneous interpreting experience. Simply having a NAATI qualification is not enough when it comes to conference interpreting. We’ve seen far too many examples of ambitious interpreters accepting a well paid simultaneous interpreting booking only to quit after 10 minutes because they couldn’t do it. So, be sure to do your due diligence before hiring interpreters for your event.

2. Event interpreting is a two person job

Simultaneous interpreting is a mentally strenuous task. To get an idea of what it’s like, imagine turning on the radio and repeating every word that the presenter says, live, word for word. Doing this without missing a single word for even 2 minutes can be difficult for those who are not trained. Now, imagine doing the same thing but converting English into another language! That’s why it’s necessary to have two simultaneous interpreters booked for any event. They work in tandem, each interpreting in 20-minute blocks, to prevent mental fatigue and maintain the best performance.

3. Plan for essential interpreting equipment

It is important to ensure that the language company you hire can provide simultaneous interpreting equipment. Depending on your requirements, you can choose from microphones, interpreting desks, soundproof interpreter booths, headphones with pocket receivers, or even remote interpretation or tour guide equipment for factory or site visits. It is essential not to underestimate the importance of having the right simultaneous interpreting equipment.

4. Plan for the set up and pack up time

In addition to sourcing the equipment is setting it up at the venue. Your language partner should be able to assist you with this process, known as bump in and bump out. The team usually takes 2 to 3 hours to set up booths, microphones, interpreters’ desk and to test receivers and transmitters. It’s important to know venue policies regarding setup times, as some venues have strict policies. It’s also a good idea to obtain a map of the venue including loading bays to plan the location of the interpreting booth. We recommend placing the booths in clear sight of the platform where speeches will be given. If there are presentations, please ensure that interpreters have a copy.

5. Partner with the venue’s audio-visual team:

When confirming venue details, ensure you clarify the availability of an audio-visual team to handle interpreting booth audio connections. Although this may seem like an afterthought, it’s better to have it sorted out beforehand so that the team responsible for setting up can get in and out as quickly as possible on the first day. We can advise on best practice.

6. Have instructions for attendees

Provide easy-to-understand instructions on how to use the headsets to access the translated audio feed. It is also recommended to train event organisers on using the headsets so they can assist attendees with any issues they may have. In addition, have a process for collecting the headsets from attendees. This is a very common issue where headsets are taken by mistake, and the event organisers are required to pay for replacements as outlined in our contract. Each receiver costs around $600, so it’s important to ensure all are returned. The interpreting company can take care of the collection, but this comes with additional fees. So, it is important to know who will handle the collection of headsets.

7. Provide interpreters with materials

Simultaneous interpreting is a highly demanding task that requires a lot of mental effort. That’s why interpreters need any materials that can help them prepare in advance, such as agendas, presentations, speeches, and information that will be covered during the event. This allows interpreters to create glossaries, ensuring that they use the correct industry-standard terms in the other language and guarantee consistency in word usage by both interpreters.

We hope the above pointers will help you at your next event. Because every attendee deserves to have a clear understanding of what is discussed,  no matter what their native language is. By working with the best simultaneous interpreters, such as those provided by CHIN, you can ensure that your event shines – let us guide you there! Email info@chincommunications.com.au or call 1300 792 446.

The post Why Choosing Quality Simultaneous Interpreters Matters appeared first on Chin Communications.

“Thank you, young man,” he warmly shook my hand at Te Whare Pirimia, the Premier House of New Zealand, the official residence of the Prime Minister of New Zealand. “I appreciate your efforts in strengthening the relationships between China and New Zealand, as well as China and Australia. It’s a pleasant surprise to see you here in New Zealand so soon after our meeting in Australia just yesterday.”

“I’m here to assist and make sure the language is right, Premier”, I replied to Mr Li Keqiang, who was Premier of China at that time and on a state visit to Australia and later New Zealand.

Building bridges – the importance of good interpreters in diplomacy

The news of Premier Li Keqiang’s passing today is a sombre moment in history, as we reflect on the remarkable contributions of Mr Li who played a pivotal role in shaping the relationship between China and Australia. As an individual who had the privilege of engaging with Premier Li on a number of occasions, I can attest to his dedication, his statesmanship, and his commitment to fostering international cooperation.

I explained that my role involved working to promote diplomatic ties. His appreciation for the effort that individuals like me put into building bridges between nations was both humbling and inspiring.

During that same visit, I had the privilege of interacting with Professor Cheng Hong, Premier Li’s accomplished wife, who is a professor of English Language and Literature at the Capital University of Economics and Business in Beijing. Her fluency in English was remarkable.  She was reciting English poems at the family dinner hosted by Prime Minister Bill English of New Zealand. Luckily I wasn’t asked to translate them!

Premier Li Keqiang’s proficiency in English was also evident during family dinners with Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers, where he occasionally conversed in English and even corrected his interpreter’s translations. However, during formal bilateral meetings, Premier Li relied on his interpreters to convey his messages in English, and I had the privilege of interpreting English into Mandarin for him and the Chinese delegates to hear.

One amusing and memorable moment occurred when General Cosgrove, the Governor-General of Australia, introduced Premier Li to a 7-month-old kangaroo joey, one of Australia’s most iconic animals. The Premier and his wife initially appeared puzzled, but their confusion quickly turned to delight when I shared the Chinese term for “joey,” a word not commonly known in the Chinese language. Their smiles during that interaction exemplified Premier Li’s genuine warmth and curiosity.

Interpreting in Zhongnanhai – a younger me

My first encounter with Premier Li Keqiang took place in the imperial hall of Zhongnanhai, the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party and the State Council of China, back in November 2010. He was Deputy Prime Minister at the time, and I had the unique opportunity to witness his statesmanship during a meeting with Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Wayne Swan. Zhongnanhai is regarded by the Chinese people as the heart of the nation, and being there marked a rare and memorable experience.

During Premier Li Keqiang’s tenure as China’s Premier, which began in March 2013, the relationship between China and Australia went through various significant milestones. One of the most notable achievements was the strengthening of economic ties. China became Australia’s largest trading partner, with substantial exports of Australian resources and agricultural products. Additionally, Australian universities welcomed a significant influx of Chinese students, further deepening cultural exchange.

In 2015, a groundbreaking Free Trade Agreement was signed between the two nations, marking a significant achievement in their economic relations. This agreement aimed to reduce trade barriers and foster greater economic cooperation, laying the foundation for increased trade and collaboration between the two countries.

Chinese companies also made substantial investments in Australian infrastructure, including energy, real estate, and agriculture. These investments not only contributed to Australia’s economic growth but also demonstrated the mutually beneficial nature of the relationship.

However, the journey was not without its challenges but both China and Australia maintained a level of diplomatic engagement, with leaders from both sides periodically meeting to discuss their differences.

In commemoration of Premier Li Keqiang, we remember a leader who left an indelible mark on the relationship between China and Australia. His dedication to economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and diplomacy was instrumental in helping shape the course of these two nations’ interactions on the global stage. Premier Li’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of dialogue (respecting the role of interpreters), collaboration, and understanding. We honour his memory and the contribution he made to international relations.

My last interaction with Premier Li was in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November 2022. He had been ousted from the Politburo at the National Congress of the Communist Party one month earlier. The temperature had turned quite chilly and then there was a downpour – he was in the distance, a vague image.

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The Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum is a significant initiative in Australia aimed at granting Indigenous Australians a constitutionally enshrined voice in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Multicultural communities in Australia could make a big difference to The Voice Referendum and whether it succeeds or not when it is held later in 2023.  Campaigns for a Yes and No vote are gaining momentum and a lot of information is circulating – but how much of that has been translated into the many languages spoken in Australia?

The Indigenous Voice to Parliament means compulsory voting and for the referendum to succeed, a majority of voters (more than 50%) in a majority of states (at least four out of six states) need to vote ‘Yes’.

Quality and timely translation is important for CALD communities 

Whether we are talking about The Voice, elections or participation in Australian society, a lack of English capability or a preference to communicate in one’s own language should not be a barrier to participation. But unfortunately it is always harder to get important messages out and understood in the CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) community. During the Covid pandemic, language was frequently in the headlines when it was clear that CALD communities were at greater risk because of a lack of translation, inaccurate translation or long delays in getting translated information circulated.

Many electorates have large ethnic populations and if you think that mainstream Australians are still claiming that they don’t understand much about The Voice, consider those who don’t speak English or prefer to read or listen to content in their own languages.

For example, in the Sydney seat of Fowler held by independent MP Dai Le, there are 130 languages spoken. Dai Le said “The Voice will need to have a very effective communication with CALD people to tell communities such as ours how this would impact their current situation.” (Financial Review)

Multicultural communities in Australia can play a vital role in ensuring the success of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum. As members of a diverse society, they understand the importance of representation and inclusivity in decision-making processes. They can empathise with the struggles faced by Indigenous Australians and appreciate the need for their voices to be heard and respected.

Apart from reaching out to CALD communities in mainstream languages, it is also essential to address the communication needs of remote Indigenous communities, where English might not be widely spoken or understood. These communities often rely on their native languages as their primary means of communication, preserving their cultural heritage and identity.

You can find almost a hundred languages translations and voice recordings here: https://ulurustatement.org/education/translations/  Please spread the word.

CHIN has been proud to provide a contribution to spreading correct information – in this case to Chinese speakers in Melbourne. I provided Mandarin interpreting services to an event at the Chinese Museum in Melbourne where a panel of speakers explained The Voice and took questions.

Interpreting in Mandarin for The Voice

• To further support the success of The Voice, multicultural communities can:

  Advocate for Inclusivity: Multicultural community leaders and organisations can actively advocate for the inclusion of foreign language translations in referendum materials. They can collaborate with government agencies and Indigenous community representatives to ensure that translated information reaches CALD communities effectively.

  Engage in Dialogue: Holding open discussions and forums within their communities about the significance of The Voice and the need for support can foster understanding and empathy. This can create a more informed and supportive atmosphere for the referendum proposal.

  Cultural Exchange and Learning: Organising events that promote cultural exchange and understanding between Indigenous and CALD communities can strengthen bonds and create a united front for the referendum’s success.

  Mobilise Support: Encouraging members of CALD communities to actively participate in the referendum process, whether through voting or supporting advocacy efforts, can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Multicultural communities in Australia have a significant role to play in ensuring the success of The Voice. By advocating for inclusivity, engaging in dialogue, promoting cultural exchange, and mobilising support, these communities can contribute to a more united and equitable future for all Australians. The referendum presents an opportunity to build bridges and foster a sense of national unity that celebrates the richness of Australia’s cultural diversity while acknowledging the custodianship of the land by its First Nations people.

Connect with me on LinkedIN at info@chincommunications.com.au or call 1300 792 446.

(Images: Zhao Rongjun)

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A smiling, waving Trade Minister met with his Chinese counterpart for the first time in over 3 years on 6 February.

Reflecting the warm meetings that had paved the way between Prime Minister Albanese and President Xi and between Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her Chinese counterpart, this was another positive step towards a restoration of this all-important relationship.

A well briefed Minister Farrell started the virtual meeting with Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao with the media in the room.

An also well-prepared Mandarin Interpreter was by his side with note book, vocab lists and pens ready to take down shorthand and accurately reflect Minister Farrell’s remarks. 

In recent times interpreters at these meetings have been hidden from sight – either behind their ministers or removed in a soundproof booth delivering Simultaneous Interpreting.  At yesterday’s meeting we could see the interpreter with pen poised to get started, where he was also welcomed by the Minister, and this meeting was run with Consecutive Interpreting.

So what is the difference between Consecutive Interpreting and Simultaneous Interpreting and what are the skills required?

We asked Chin’s MD Charles Qin who works in both of these interpreting ‘modes’.

Charles told us that the Chinese side has been running meetings in Simultaneous mode (when physical meetings are held). This means interpreters are seated in soundproof booths (either in a corner of the room or an adjacent room) connected with headphones to hear the dialogue, and, in real time – live, they are rendering those words back into the other language.  In the interpreter’s booth, they are listening to their minister or prime minister speak and at the same time converting that to Mandarin.  Yes, very difficult!

Consecutive Interpreting is one we are more familiar with – minister speaks and interpreter follows – back and forth. Interpreters must take appropriate notes and accurately render the words and the tone.

In both cases it is vital to reflect the tone, intent, meaning and to be precise in the choice of words.

Both modes require training, experience, lots of preparation and reading, familiarity with news, history and economy and, of course, first class language and interpreting skills. A calm, confident demeanour also gives the parties trust and means they can focus on the contents and relationship knowing that their words (and the relationship) are in safe hands.

Minister’s website and transcript of opening remarks: https://www.trademinister.gov.au/minister/don-farrell/transcript/meeting-chinas-minister-commerce-wang-wentao

The post Trade Ministers Meet: Great to See the Mandarin Interpreter in Action appeared first on Chin Communications.

A question that has recently reared its head with several new clients left languishing because of misunderstandings and time differences.

One of them was a relatively small project but as it was for court, the deadline was set.

An Australian lawyer went online and found a translation service – likely from a google ad – clicked and received a quote. All good and project confirmed.  The due date was ten days out – a great lawyer making arrangements early rather than last minute – oops forgot to get this translated, or forgot to book an interpreter!

The only problem is that the work never turned up and the lawyer couldn’t get a reply. Two days before the court case we intervened and sorted out the requirements and delivered a subtitled video in English which was the end requirement.  We later found out that the translation provider was in London; not sure if UK translators would be acceptable to a court in Australia requiring NAATI credentials and certainly the time difference made communication difficult.

The second recent case was an Inquiry. National inquiries don’t come cheap, so the last thing they want is to adjourn because of interpreting problems. Same thing happened.  The lawyer found an interpreting service online and booked an interpreter – problem is they weren’t in Australia and had limited knowledge of our legal system. A lot of funds were wasted while a qualified, Australian interpreter was found who was capable of doing the work.

Moral to the story – take a note of where your translation service or translator is. Do they really have an office – some of our competitors have fictitious addresses and many are offshore. It’s worth checking out as one day you may need to find them.

The post Where is your translation service provider based? appeared first on Chin Communications.

It has been described by commentators as ‘monumental’ and even more significant than Gough Whitlam’s historic visit to China in 1972! I don’t think there has been so much attention expended on a leaders’ meeting since President Nixon set foot in China in 1972. 

The first meeting in six years has propelled weeks of coverage of the talks between Australian Prime Minister Albanese and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The mood at the G20, business confidence back in Australia, reading between the Chinese lines, and media hype all point to a turnaround in fortunes for this most important relationship.

A lot was riding on the success of the meeting – pressure on participants, including the interpreters: President Xi had three and our PM had me!

In fact, what has been overlooked in all the coverage is virtually any mention of translators and interpreters – after all, we are mostly hidden behind the scenes. 

But interpreters play a vital role – whether in meetings like this, or in day-to-day work like we’ve all been doing helping keep multicultural communities safe from Covid

There has been blow by blow and word by word analysis of this meeting and snippets seen on TV; even an account in The Age from Peter Hartcher of a joke between the leaders, the short delay for “translation”, and then laughs all round.  Yes, a sigh of relief from yours truly that they got the joke! 

And to help flesh out the picture of the room: two tables with each side’s senior people lined up, national flags, swarming media (until they were banished), and 20 metres away in the corner – two soundproof booths – one for me and one for my Chinese colleagues. At these meetings, we deliver the interpreting “live” in simultaneous mode, so there is virtually no delay; otherwise a 32 minute talk would need to double in time (or cover half as much) if interpreters were speaking after their leader (what we call consecutive interpreting).

So next time you are meeting your Chinese partners in the flesh or on zoom, think about how much better and more respectful and efficiently it will run with professional Chinese interpreting. It doesn’t have to be grand with flags, flowers and soundproof booths; one interpreter, a meeting room or a zoom session – you’ll be amazed at the difference. Call us on 1300 792 446 for help.

Chinese Translators and Interpreters – a Prominent Role in the Australia-China Relationship
It is great to see Chinese interpreters featured in a new publication to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. Australia China Stories presents 50 vignettes from individuals who have formed part of the rich fabric of the Australia-China relationship since the establishment of official ties between Australia and the People’s Republic of China.

Check out here for more details about the stories. I’m on page 80-81: https://lnkd.in/g9BkMAuB

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What is the core competency? I think it is the ability to win users’ loyalty in the market.

——Ruimin Zhang  

Translation is a long-established industry, and with the recent rise of machine translation and improvements in translation output, the actions of overseas agencies providing cheaper prices to increase their competitiveness and the limited client resources in the translation market, have resulted in a lower supply of translation work. According to a study by the University of Melbourne, only one-third of T&I training graduates find a translation-related job after graduation, and nearly one-third choose a job in language teaching, while the remaining students either choose a non-language-related career or go on to further study.

During my master’s program in Translating & Interpreting, I was already aware of the fact that my prospects of being a translator did not seem so optimistic. And the lure of more job opportunities in language education attracts every graduate who has yet to step into the job market. I used to be one of them, but my interaction with Chin Communications, specialist Chinese translation and marketing business, changed my opinion. The Chin team showed me that a professional translator team should never lack development opportunities, and a company with core competencies has absolute confidence to face competition – all of which made me more determined to pursue the path of being a professional translator in the future.

Talent is a valuable resource for every company and Chin Communications values and cultivates it

It was during the second semester of my master’s program that I first heard about Chin when Professor Charles Qin of Chin Communications deeply impressed us with his most awarded translation experience. He introduced Chin’s professional team to us and said that even though all team members are already professional translators, they still undergo regular training to continuously improve their skills. I finally found my career orientation and direction in Chin Communications’ career plan for their team members and started to embrace the idea of joining Chin’s team. I also believe that at this moment, the seeds of aspiration were also sowed in the hearts of many of my classmates. A company that does not lack talent naturally does not lack development, and this became even clearer when I joined the team as an intern. Every afternoon, the Chin team conducts training for new (and old) members to help them adapt to their jobs faster or get in touch with and master the most recent technical and language skills, which contributes to the continuous development of the company while talent is nurtured.

Machine translation used to be a “competitor” that every T&I training student would worry about, and the increasing quality of machine translation output has made clients question the need for human translators. However, in my view, this does not bother Chin Communications because they are client-centred and possess fantastic creativityhttps://www.chincommunications.com.au/chinese-marketing-translation-services/ that machine translation does not and likely will never have. First, after receiving a translation project, the professional team will confirm with the client the nature and quantum of the work, the urgency of the deadline, the client’s translation goals and needs, the direction of the target audience, the typesetting, design, and so on. Then, according to the genre of the text, members of the Chin language team will apply creative thinking in the translation so that the translation is accurate and does not lose the flavour of the original text while being more in line with target language use and expectations. 

Chin Communications strives to customize a thoughtful and considerate translation and marketing experience for their clients, ensuring that they receive a satisfactory end product that meets their expectations in a way that machine translation can never do. Likewise, unlike overseas and local contractors who rely on cheap prices to compete for work, the method Chin uses to achieve customer loyalty and accumulate more client resources does not rely on prices that are below market, but on translating and designing products for clients with care. Clients do not know how to do it, but they know what kind of final product they want, and Chin’s team is able to grasp exactly what the client wants and, through their expertise, shape the product into what clients need in the shortest possible time. Therefore, it makes sense that Chin, which combines high quality and efficiency, is able to defy the challenge and gain more clients and respect by clients than their competitors who rely on price as their core competency and using machine translationto get a translation outquickly as a promotion point.

Chin Communications puts the customer first and presents the work perfectly to the customer. On the inside, I am deeply touched by Chin’s humanistic culture. The kind and friendly colleagues are like family members who give care to each other. There are various snacks placed on the table every day, and we sit together like family members during lunchtime to talk freely, discussing professional or interesting topics, and after lunch, we occasionally enjoy small surprises such as egg tarts and other desserts. The most unexpected thing was that on my birthday, everyone on the team gave me their best wishes, which made me feel the warmth that I had never felt before as I had come to Australia alone. This was the moment when I realized that I had become part of this family even though I was only interning.

Chin Communications has loyal, talented translators and interpreters, loyal clients, and a loyal professional team and will never lack core competencies. There will always be room for development as a translator in such a team. Translators are often hidden behind the scenes. We may not get flowers and applause like language teachers because our work is largely invisible, but I always feel that it is not a great industry that makes a group of great people, but a group of great people that makes the industry great, which is true of Chin Communications and the translation industry.

Zhang Ruimin is described as the most innovative Chinese management thinker in the world. He founded home appliance company Haier.

The post An intern’s perspective on the future of translators and my work at Chin Communications, by Yue Cheng appeared first on Chin Communications.

Hosting businesses too can suffer in reputation by being associated with these ‘tours’.  Many have learnt the hard way, hosting site visits, speakers and giving valuable time to meet Chinese delegates and share their proprietary information and experience, only to find out later on that most of the ‘valuable information’ was lost.  You know where I’m going, don’t you – poor translations!

A Model Program

By contrast, to set up an enduring relationship, and pave the way for ongoing programs, we reckon the Australia and New Zealand School of Government’s program which ran for ten years – was the model. Setting a very high bar and scooping any competition, Professor Allan Fels’s organisation put together a perfect program – the China Advanced Leadership Program which led to more business and closer ties (for a time, anyway), plus benefits to participating organisations.  An impressive agenda like theirs may not be accessible to all of us – receptions at Government House, meetings with Governor-General, PM and Foreign Minister, tours and functions hosted by major players in China relationships, access to Department Heads in Australia and New Zealand and presentations by leading businesspeople.

ANZSOG identified very early the need for a top interpreting team to ‘deliver’ the important training to the Chinese executives. The team was engaged over 6 months prior and consulted on how to achieve the best results. Presentations were translated by the team too so that delegates would have Chinese materials to underpin their learning. Plenty of time was provided to the interpreting/translating team to assimilate all of the information across topics as diverse as Emotional Intelligence and the revolution of technology in the media.

You might say – most Chinese speak English!  Why do they need interpreters?  That is a good question, and, indeed, some educated Chinese and some of the delegates do speak English to some extent.  A delegation of trainees will contain people who have good English and many who have none.  But factor in the Australian situation, accents and practices and even someone with good English will struggle to follow and understand the Australian perspective. With a good interpreter, your valuable information will be fully imparted, face protected and your stakeholders rewarded, such as was delivered in the ANZSOG program.

So what is good interpreting?

Good interpreting and therefore good results for the listening audience comes from selecting trained, experienced, professional interpreters.  Engaging them early (good interpreters are generally very busy), briefing them, passing on all information, presentations and itinerary early, and treating them as valuable team members will bring the best out and ensure happy delegates.  Happy delegates lead to more business. Good interpreting is NOT achieved by leaving interpreter choice to the last minute, choosing someone cheap and assuming that they can just turn up and know everything they need to know about complex and varied topics. We see this approach often and unfortunately the monolingual organisers don’t realise just what a disaster ensues.

There are two modes of interpreting to consider. Consecutive interpreting – many of you will be familiar with an interpreter consecutively interpreting a speaker’s words – speaker speaks for a minute or two, interpreter takes notes (watch for the good ones who get it all down), speaker pauses, interpreter interprets the words fully into the other language and so on.  The downside is that any program will take twice as long or you have to cut the content.  The other mode – Simultaneous Interpreting (SI) – is just that – done in real time, simultaneously or live. Simultaneous Interpreting requires special equipment, including receivers and headsets, and, most importantly, trained Simultaneous Interpreters.  Not just any ‘bilingual person’ can undertake this work – a popular misconception. So more information can be included in a program and attendees don’t have to sit through double content.

Budget and timeline will dictate which mode works for you.  ANZSOG has used Simultaneous Interpreting throughout its three week program.  At its training facility permanent SI equipment has been installed; on site visits portable systems have been taken – the result has been continuous engagement and maximum information flow. The other important decision was to engage a team of 3 interpreters. The UN and other major conferences will have 3, 4 or more interpreters on a team – we rarely see this in business due to cost constraints.  In addition at networking functions or dinners, additional local interpreters have been hired to assist with conversations between the parties.

Any type of interpreting is extremely demanding on the brain – especially SI, interpreters must rest every 20 – 30 minutes or the brain melts down! So bear these points in mind when factoring interpreting into an equation.

Another Model for long-term Engagement

The City of Melbourne and RMIT ran a ” Tianjin Government Leaders’ Program” for ten years. Enlightened leaders on both sides saw the opportunity for up-and-coming managers in Tianjin to learn business and management tools from Australia, and the City of Melbourne saw the opportunity for linkages between the two cities to be deepened.  Many, many business deals and ventures have grown from this decision. Tianjin and Melbourne are the absolute model in a Sister-City relationship – one we’ve been associated with for all of this time. One of the key planks in this program is the use of capable, trained interpreters in the classroom, on site visits and networking functions.  Without good interpreters, the program would never have lasted the distance. This program engages Consecutive Interpreters and the long-term relationship between interpreters and presenters ensures a high-quality engagement.  Over 220 leaders from Tianjin benefitted – some have gone on to senior roles and all have been great advocates for Melbourne and the participating organisations.  Needless to say, business has followed and will continue to flow on.

So, if you are serious about offering proper training and engagement with Chinese delegates – there are a number of important factors to consider early on – the most vital is the choice of your interpreting team. Without them you are wasting your time and jeopardising any future business.

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