How to spot good interpreters

You’ll know if an interpreter is competent by looking out for the following traits:

• The interpreter uses direct (not reported) speech and idiomatic English

• The message is neither excessively longer nor shorter than the original

• The client’s responses are meaningful, and there’s no indication of confusion

• There’s a smooth flow of information both ways, and the body language matches the message

• The interpreter takes notes, asks for clarification or repetition when needed

• The interpreter reports any side conversations.