1. Advance Your Language Knowledge

For truly effective communication, it is essential to go beyond knowing the right words to convey the right meaning. Raw translation from one language to another is fairly straightforward and can be accomplished through machine translation. Human translation preserves the speaker’s or author’s tone and style while conveying a message designed for the listener or reader. 

2. Develop Your Research Skills

Translators must be capable of learning extensive vocabulary, different cultures, background information, context rules, business jargon, and slang. Often, you will need to perform research quickly in different environments. This requires sound multilingual research skills using a variety of sources. 

3. Become a Voracious Reader

Reading develops vocabulary, builds familiarity with context, and creates an environment for continuous learning. Read in both your source and target languages to compare the nuances of each and the different way speech is conveyed. 

4. Study the Local Culture

Good translators have a deep understanding of both the source and target cultures. This knowledge is essential to understand where cultures overlap and differ to reveal different subtle meanings and views. When speaking in your native tongue, you unconsciously use gestures and subtle tone changes based on the nature of the content and your relationship with the person you are interacting with. 

5. Develop Your Writing Skills

The written word is an important part of any translator’s job. This is especially true in a business environment where communication with business partners and customers is often relayed in written communications that range from marketing efforts to business emails. 

While fluent speech in your target language is an important part of written translation, written communication is usually conveyed differently than spoken communication. Consider the writing style of marketing compared to formal communications with a company leader. You can improve your written translation efforts by honing your general writing skills and the skills needed for writing in your target language.