Experienced freelance interpreter/translator -- U. S. / Hong Kong Official credentials: • Hong Kong Civil Service Bureau, Official Languages Division • Hong Kong Legislative Council • Hong Kong Translation Society • Registered lobbyist: U S Senate / U S House of Representatives Seasoned event host/television news anchor.

Finding the right interpreter can be a baffling process. The following is a list of DOs and DON’Ts to ease your quest. DOs Do look for official accreditation Government and authoritative accreditations give you some basic assurance that you are dealing with a legitimate and competent interpreter. Do look for personal chemistry Whatever the nature of your business is, if you need an interpreter today, chances are you will need one again later. It saves time, money and effort to work with someone on the same wavelength to avoid the frustration of dealing with an unknown personality every time. Do look for semantic flair When you speak to your counterpart, you want to convince the other party to accept your position. How your message is presented determines how it will be received. Choosing an interpreter with an appealing style gives you an additional edge. DON’Ts Don’t fall for price economy Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. The meager savings you get by hiring a second tier interpreter may cost you your deal and image. Don’t fall for stereotypical labels Don’t follow the trend by insisting on a mere ‘native speaker.’ The average fool from any country is a native speaker. Would you let a fool represent your interest? Ask for an expert interpreter instead. Don’t fall for unrealistic specialization Don’t ask for an interpreter with extensive experience in an obscured subject. You will get an autistic geek who knows nothing else. Look for someone with all-round skills. I am an experienced Chinese-English translator and interpreter of 25 years – 19 years in the United States and 6 years in Hong Kong -- in different capacities in the public and private sectors. My professional qualifications are listed above. Thoroughly familiar with the customs and cultural nuances of the American and Chinese societies, I am able to satisfy your particular linguistic requirements to the exact detail.