Communicating the Message Important in any Languages

Speaking before a group that includes individuals some of whom speak one language, some another and some both is quite a challenge. Although I am seldom particularly nervous when speaking before groups; I must say that as I approached a group in Hof, Germany recently I was more than a little nervous. I had served as a translator for German speaking speakers in front of a primarily English speaking audience before but this was my first time to attempt translating for both English speakers and German speakers to a very mixed group. And many spoke both languages so they would know when I was goofing up.
These were members of Hof Reunion, American GI's, the German girls they had married and other Americans and Germans associated with Hof Air Station which was active in Hof from 1948 to 1971.

But I think the following comment by one of the organizers tells the story.

"A TREMENDOUS job of dual-language MC'ing at the dinner! 35 years ago I might have been able to do that in Russian/English but as good as I thought my German is/was, I could not have kept up with the job you did! And I gotta say, I understood just about every word in the Courthouse and at the dinner! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The mistake that many translators make is trying to translate word for word. What is important, particularly at a banquet function like this one, is to communicate the message that the speaker is striving to communicate.

The same is really true with any type of speaking. You must ask yourself, "Am I communicating the message that I myself or those that I represent want to get across?" The speaker is the medium not the message.

Strive to look and act in a way that complements the message.
Don't let your appearance or actions detract from the message.
Use words and mannerisms that reflect the tone of the message.
Simply delivering the right words may not deliver the right message.

When you are done did the people laugh when they were supposed to?
Was the room quiet when important or serious information was presented?
Were people paying attention and coming away with the desired outcome?

You can be a powerful speaker. You can be a powerful communicator.
Just keep the message in mind and shape the messenger to fit the message.

You can contact me at mark@markclemons.com or go to www.clemonscreativelearning.com