How to Best Work with Interpreters When Every Word Matters
In the most critical moments—inside courtrooms, during emergency medical care, at shelters or crisis centers—language can’t be left to guesswork. It has to be right. Not just grammatically, but emotionally, contextually, and ethically.
That’s where professional interpreters step in as active partner speakers in communication. A good interpreter becomes far more than a voice in another language. They’re a bridge. A lifeline.
But even the most skilled interpreter can’t carry the entire weight alone. To get the best outcome, you need to know how to work with them—before, during, and after the conversation. Here’s what that really looks like.
1. Understand What Interpreters Actually Do
Interpreting isn’t just repeating words in another language. It’s real-time processing of meaning, tone, emotion, and cultural nuance.
Every sentence has to be filtered through an ethical lens: What’s being said? How should it be conveyed? Is there a cultural layer that matters here?
In high-stress situations, interpreters are balancing accuracy with empathy. They’re not just decoding language—they’re making sure communication still feels human.
2. Choose the Right Interpreter for the Situation
Not every bilingual person is an interpreter—and not every interpreter is trained for every scenario. When the stakes are high, experience and certification matter.
Look for professionals who are:
Court-certified or medically trained, depending on your setting
Comfortable under pressure
Familiar with technical vocabulary (legal, medical, or otherwise)
Neutral, focused, and calm in emotionally-charged moments
Relying on a well-meaning friend or untrained staff member might seem easier, but it puts everyone at risk—legally, emotionally, and ethically.
3. Prep Them Before You Start
You don’t need to hand over a script, but a short briefing before the session goes a long way.
Let the interpreter know:
What the meeting or situation is about
Any cultural or emotional sensitivities
If technical terms or jargon will be used
This context helps the interpreter prepare mentally and emotionally—so they can fully support everyone involved.
4. Speak Directly—Not “Through” the Interpreter
This is one of the most common missteps: instead of speaking to the person across from you, people start speaking about them to the interpreter.
For example:
Don’t: “Tell him he needs to sign here.”
Do: “Please sign here.” (While looking at the client.)
Use first-person language. Make eye contact. Treat the conversation as a direct one. It builds trust, keeps the conversation natural, and allows the interpreter to do their job fluidly.
5. Pace Yourself—Clarity Over Speed
You don’t need to dumb things down or use overly simple words. Just be thoughtful.
Avoid:
Idioms (like “cut to the chase” or “under the weather”)
Long, run-on instructions
Speaking too fast or interrupting the interpreter mid-sentence
Instead, pause between ideas. Let your interpreter catch up. It might feel slow at first, but it’s actually more efficient—and much less likely to lead to confusion or mistakes.
6. Trust the Process
Great interpreting takes presence and timing. If there’s a pause, that doesn’t mean someone’s confused. It might mean your interpreter is carefully delivering a complex or sensitive message.
Try not to jump in. Let each speaker finish. Give space for understanding to take root.
When you trust your interpreter—and work with them as a true partner—you get much more than words. You get a real understanding.
Final Thought: It’s About More Than Language
Working with interpreters isn’t just a logistical choice. It’s an act of respect. It tells the person on the other side, You matter. Your voice matters. Your story deserves to be heard fully.
At Midwest Language Services, we understand what’s at stake in these moments. That’s why we provide professional, certified interpreters who bring skill, cultural intelligence, and heart to every interaction.
Ready to work with interpreters who understand the weight of every word? Contact us to get started.
