Language access is no longer optional these days - it’s a necessity. Businesses, hospitals, government agencies, and educational institutions must communicate clearly across cultures and languages. That’s where phone interpreter services come in.
Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI) connects you to professional interpreters right away. It helps break down language barriers quickly and affordably. But the success of these sessions doesn’t just depend on the interpreter — it also depends on you.
Whether you're a medical provider, claims adjuster, or caseworker, knowing how to communicate effectively during over the phone interpreting services can dramatically improve outcomes.
In this guide, we will share four important tips. These tips will help you improve clarity and accuracy in your next phone language interpretation session. Make sure every word matters.
Tips For Effective Communication During OPI Sessions
Importance of speaking directly to LEP consumer
Speaking directly to the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) consumer is essential rather than speaking to the interpreter.
This ensures that the LEP consumer is the conversation’s focus and helps establish trust and rapport between the parties involved. By speaking directly to the LEP consumer, you can also gauge their level of understanding and adjust your communication style accordingly.
Tip 1: Speak Directly to the LEP Individual
One common mistake in phone interpreter services is talking to the interpreter. Instead, you should talk to the person who has Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
✅ Why it matters:
Speaking directly to the LEP individual builds rapport, trust, and connection. It makes the interaction feel more personal, even without visual cues. It helps the phone interpreter share your message as if you were speaking face to face.
✅ Example:
Instead of saying: “Tell him we’ll reschedule his appointment.”
Say: “We’ll reschedule your appointment.”
This method is common in all good over the phone interpreting companies. Clear communication is important.
Tip 2: Use Simple, Clear, and Measured Language
Clarity is everything. During over the phone language interpretation services, the interpreter listens to your words and quickly translates them into another language. They need to do this without losing any meaning.
✅ How to do it right:
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Speak slowly and enunciate each word clearly.
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Use simple sentences and avoid jargon or idioms.
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Pause after every key point or sentence.
Rushing through technical instructions or using hard words can cause miscommunication. This is especially true when comparing OPI and VRI interpretation. OPI does not have visual support.
When you practice mindfulness in your speech, you enable the interpreter to succeed and ensure that they truly understand your message.
Tip 3: Let the Interpreter Manage the Flow
In consecutive interpretation, which is standard for over the phone interpreter services, the interpreter speaks after each party finishes. This means you need to:
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Pause every 1–2 sentences
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Avoid speaking over the interpreter
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Let the interpreter signal when they’re ready for you to continue
✅ Why this matters:
Interrupting or overwhelming the interpreter can compromise accuracy. The best phone interpreting companies train their interpreters to manage calls. Respecting their pace leads to better results.
Remember, accurate translation services phone-based depend on everyone sticking to a smooth rhythm.
Tip 4: Create an Ideal Audio Environment
Background noise and poor equipment can ruin even the most professional multilingual interpreting services. Since phone interpretation relies solely on audio, your environment needs to support crystal-clear sound.
✅ Best practices:
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Use a quiet room — avoid speakerphones or noisy common areas
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Ensure strong network coverage and reliable call equipment
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Avoid typing, eating, or multitasking during the call
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Always test the sound before starting your session
This is especially critical when you're working with over the phone interpreting services for medical, legal, or sensitive conversations.
Why OPI Is So Challenging — and So Valuable
Interpreting is not just language switching — it’s real-time cognitive processing under pressure. And OPI? It adds an extra layer of complexity by removing all visual cues.
That’s why experts consider over the phone language interpretation one of the most challenging formats in the industry. Without visual context or facial expressions, the interpreter relies entirely on tone, clarity, and timing.
The good news? When both the client and interpreter know their roles, OPI becomes a strong tool for quick and clear communication. This is true whether you are helping patients, settling claims, or serving clients.
Choosing the Right Phone Interpreter Service Provider
The success of your session depends on who you partner with. Not all over the phone interpreting companies are equal.
✅ Here’s what the best over the phone interpreter companies provide:
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Qualified interpreters trained in both language and subject matter
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Coverage in 300+ languages
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Fast connection times and 24/7 availability
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Secure, confidential call management
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Experience across sectors like healthcare, insurance, and government
At Ad Astra, we bring all the above — and more. We use the latest technology and human skills to provide reliable phone interpreter services that you can trust.
If you have a busy customer service line, we can help. Our phone interpreting services are also available for clinic visits. This way, your team can stay organized.
Bonus Tip: Understand the Difference – OPI vs VRI
When planning your communication strategy, it helps to understand some differences between types of interpretation services like OPI vs VRI interpretation.
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OPI (Over-the-Phone Interpretation): It is Audio-only, without a need for devices or screens. Ideal for urgent or simple interactions.
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VRI (Video Remote Interpreting): Adds visual support. Ideal for nuanced, emotional, or complex conversations.
Ad Astra provides both remote interpreting options. This gives you flexibility based on the type of interaction and the preferences of the LEP individual.
Final Thoughts: Make Every Word Count
Phone interpreter services have become a lifeline for organisations serving multilingual communities. But just having access to interpreters isn’t enough — you need to use the service effectively.
By:
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Speaking clearly and directly
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Respecting interpreter flow
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Optimising your environment
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Choosing a trusted provider
…you ensure your message lands exactly as intended.
No matter if you work in healthcare, government, education, or business, these over the phone interpreting services are essential. They help ensure fairness, meet rules, and build connections.
Let Ad Astra support your team with the best over the phone interpreter services in the industry. Contact us now to schedule your first session or learn more about our multilingual interpreting services.
