Precision planning and expert communication in a highly regulated industrial setting
Delivering language services for technical industries requires more than just fluency — it calls for subject matter expertise, seamless coordination, and the ability to respond flexibly to strict logistical requirements. That was exactly the case when a client from the petrochemical and chemical sector approached Skrivanek with a request for consecutive interpreting between Czech and English during a two-day technical meeting.
With several weeks to prepare, success would depend on early coordination, the right interpreter, and a solution that balanced cost-efficiency with professional quality.
The Challenge: Specialized Interpreting for a Fixed Technical Program
In February, the client reached out to request language support for an upcoming event scheduled for May. The meeting was to take place at an industrial site with strict safety protocols and a highly formal communication culture. The sessions would cover topics related to occupational safety and environmental protection — areas where precision and technical terminology are non-negotiable.
The schedule was fixed:
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The client needed an experienced interpreter with a solid grasp of HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) terminology, who could ensure smooth bilingual communication without the complications of long-distance travel or excessive logistical planning.
Our Solution: Efficient Interpreter Selection, No Extra Travel Costs
We immediately launched a targeted selection process, consulting our extensive interpreter database and reaching out to trusted partners in the region.
From several qualified candidates, we selected an interpreter who combined the required technical expertise and language skills with local availability. This allowed us to eliminate additional travel or accommodation costs, fully aligning with the client’s expectations for budget efficiency.
Negotiation: Flexible, Transparent Collaboration
After sending the initial offer, the client provided feedback that some conditions needed to be adjusted to better match their current budget. What followed was a transparent and constructive three-way discussion involving the client, the interpreter, and our project team.
Together, we refined a few parameters of the assignment, leading to a final agreement that met everyone’s needs without compromising on quality, delivery, or professionalism.
The Result: Smooth Execution and High-Quality Interpreting
The interpreting assignment took place over two days without a single hitch. Our interpreter demonstrated not only outstanding language skills but also the ability to adapt quickly to a high-security industrial environment with complex safety protocols and specialized vocabulary.
Her prior experience in HSE topics and environmental regulation ensured that technical expressions, nuanced instructions, and compliance-related terminology were interpreted with precision. The result was clear, confident communication between Czech and international participants, forming a reliable linguistic bridge essential for the success of the meeting.
Feedback from attendees confirmed the value of this expertise—the right interpreter does more than facilitate communication; they shape the entire experience of cross-cultural collaboration.
Key Success Factors
- Early preparation and structured coordination
- Use of local resources to avoid unnecessary costs
- Flexibility and openness during negotiations
- Subject matter expertise in health, safety, and environmental issues
A Showcase of Our Capabilities in Technical Interpreting
This project demonstrated what an ideal collaboration looks like: respect for the specifics of the industrial setting, open communication, and unwavering commitment to quality. We appreciated the client’s constructive feedback and the opportunity to fine-tune our approach to deliver a solution that worked for everyone involved.
The result was not just an accurate interpretation of complex terms — it was a partnership built on trust, professionalism, and shared focus on outcomes. That’s the kind of collaboration we strive to repeat.
Conclusion: Expertise, Trust, and Thoughtful Preparation
This project reinforced a key lesson: success in technical interpreting relies not only on language fluency, but also on deep subject knowledge, careful planning, and a flexible, client-oriented mindset.
Thanks to effective teamwork and a shared goal of smooth delivery, we created the right environment for meaningful international dialogue — in a field where accuracy is absolutely essential.
