I am fluent in two languages—English and music. This may sound like a weird admission but considering that I am a travel writer, the fact that I can communicate completely in just my native tongue and another language without any words is not saying much.

I count music because I do not need to translate notes in order to play them. I can think in music, a trained talent I wish I had more use for besides my own amusement.

On the other hand, I am proud to say I know a few words in a lot of languages.

For instance, I can say, "Thank you" in Korean and "Good morning" in Cantonese. I can say, "Hello" in Greek and "Good-bye" in Russian. And, I can say, "I am so very glad to have met you," in both Spanish and Farsi.

I can always show I’m willing even if I cannot keep a conversation going or give an entire speech in the language of choice. In other words, in almost every case where I am giving a formal presentation in a land where English is not the first language, I need a translator to get me through.

That said, following are some ways in which to most effectively communicate by talking through another person so your audience is sure to understand.

1. Get to know the person who will be translating for you. Spend some time over coffee or dinner. When you are together, explain what the goal of the speech is that you are about to give and also give the translator some insight into your distinctive personality; just in case some of that slips into the discussion she needs to translate later on.

2. Ask the translator to get you started by phonetically writing down a personable opening for your speech in the native language. Admit in that preamble that you do not speak the language and then introduce the person who will be speaking for you. Be sure to speak slowly, clearly and in short sentences.

3. If what you are trying to get across is complicated, say what you need to say more than once. Use different words with the same meaning to give your translator more than one opportunity to get your thoughts across.

4. Take breaks during your speech to clear up any questions or confusions. Encourage your audience to ask questions even before you finish all you have to say.

5.  Avoid cross talk at all costs. Do not interrupt your interpreter and do not try to start a new thought until your interpreter falls silent. To do either would cause confusion and thus defeat your purpose of correctly communicating what you want to say.

6.  Summarize at the end by going over the points you just made. Use visual aids, such as graphs or pictures, so you and your interpreter have a way to show your story as well as to tell your story.

7.  Finally, even when your speech is over and your interpreter is no longer around, don't stop trying. When you are out and about and alone in uncharted territory where you do not speak a word of the local language, be prepared by carrying either a phrasebook or a translation dictionary. Making the attempt usually works wonders, as well as shows your consideration and respect.