How to ensure a quality interpretation?

The experienced interpreter should be capable of translating at a sufficient level linguistically and thematically, theoretically with no preparation. However, no interpreter is so accomplished that he/she knows all the vocabulary of your particular field of work. For a fluent translation, there are two very important things to be prepared, not by the interpreter, but by you:
1. The interpreter should have, before the meeting, at his disposal materials, which, as closely as possible, describe the subject matter to be translated.
2. The interpreter should be allowed sufficient time to prepare these materials.
During the course of the meeting with your foreign partner, however important he or she is trying to remember that whatever you say, someone will have to translate. Try to speak slowly, clearly, and in meaningful phrases. Only this will you ensure that the interpreter translates your meaning exactly. If the interpreter is forced to continually interrupt or stop you in order to clarify what you are saying because you are speaking too fast and/or indistinctly, the meeting will not flow easily and could lead to misunderstanding. In case your interpreter requests further explanation from you, do not think he is inept or inexperienced. In fact, he/ she is doing his/ her job properly, as he/ she needs a clear understanding of what is being said first, in order to be able to translate precisely. A number of expressions can be understood differently, and, especially during the course of simultaneous translation from one language to another, can lead to misunderstanding. Try to avoid such ambiguities. Your interpreter is placed under considerable mental and physical strain while translating; indeed, he/she must say at least twice as much as you, and furthermore is working at full capacity all the time. Therefore, make sure he/she is provided with enough to drink, and make allowances for suitable breaks in the meeting.