In your business you probably interact with people from many different backgrounds and languages. Whether you're speaking with customers, clients, patients, or partners, clear communication is crucial.
But what happens when there’s a language barrier? You need a quick, inexpensive and flexible solution.
As a Language Service Provider (LSP), we know the best solution for quick translations is often Over-The-Phone Interpretation (OPI).
It ticks all the boxes and can be as easy as calling a phone number. It takes away the pain of needing hardware or a complicated tech set-up.
If you’re not sure if this is something that would help your business, let’s take a quick look at what OPI is and types of situations we see our clients using it in every day.
What is OPI?
OPI is a service that connects you with a professional interpreter through a phone call. It allows two or more people who speak different languages to have a conversation, with the interpreter translating in real time.
Unlike in-person interpretation, OPI is fast, convenient, and accessible from anywhere. You don’t need to schedule a meeting or wait for someone to arrive, you just pick up a phone and dial.
Customer Support Calls
If your business has a customer service line, you may receive calls from people who don’t speak English, or who don’t speak it fluently.
Whether they’re asking about a product, requesting a refund, or trying to solve a problem, you want to hear them and help them the best you can.
OPI services allow your customer service team quickly bring in an interpreter to bridge the communication gap.
This improves customer satisfaction and reduces misunderstandings that can lead to bad reviews, lost business or other damage to your brand.
Healthcare and Medical Appointments
If you operate a clinic, hospital, or medical office, OPI can be critical. Patients need to explain symptoms, understand diagnoses, follow treatment instructions, and make informed decisions.
Miscommunication can lead to serious health consequences.
By using OPI, healthcare professionals can ensure they’re giving patients the right information—no matter what language they speak.
And in the US, you are required by law to offer interpretation services to patients with limited English proficiency (LEP).
Legal and Financial Services
Legal and financial matters often involve complex, sensitive information. If your business handles contracts, banking, loans, or legal advice, it's vital that clients understand every word.
OPI allows your staff to communicate with clients in their native language without delays. Whether you’re verifying identity, explaining a policy, or reviewing a legal document, professional interpretation protects you and your clients.
Emergency or Time-Sensitive Situations
There are situations where someone needs help urgently but can’t communicate due to a language barrier. This can happen in hospitals, airports, shelters, or during crisis response.
Because OPI is available on-demand, and usually 24/7, it’s ideal for emergencies. It allows you to act quickly and make sure no one is misunderstood when time is of the essence.
Hospitality and Tourism
Hotels, travel agencies, and tour companies often welcome guests from around the world.
If you operate in this industry, or have to travel for business, language differences can make check-ins, bookings, or special requests frustrating whether you’re a staff member or a guest.
With OPI, your team can instantly connect to an interpreter who speaks the necessary language, providing a smoother and more professional experience.
Human Resources and Staff Communication
Do you have employees who speak different languages? OPI can help your HR department communicate clearly during hiring, onboarding, training, or even conflict resolution.
When employees understand company policies, safety procedures, and job expectations, it leads to a more productive team and a better workplace.
Government and Public Services
If your business works with the public in any way, especially if you’re in the nonprofit or government sector, OPI is a helpful tool for serving diverse communities.
Whether you’re helping people apply for benefits, access housing, or navigate public systems, OPI ensures that language doesn’t become a barrier to people’s essential services.
Remote or International Business Operations
If you deal with suppliers, partners, or customers in other countries, OPI lets you have meaningful conversations without hiring in-house multilingual staff.
You can negotiate deals, provide technical support, or hold meetings over the phone while the interpreter helps keep everything clear and professional.
Why OPI Over Other Options?
If you’re still wondering why you would choose OPI instead of in-person or video remote interpretation (VRI), here are some reasons it’s often the best solution:
- On-demand — Get access to an interpreter in minutes without the need for travel or advanced scheduling.
- Affordable — No travel costs or hourly minimums.
- Flexible — Works for short calls or long conversations.
- Accessible — Available 24/7 in many languages.
Interpretation at the Press of a Button
Communication is at the heart of every successful business. If your customers, employees, or partners speak different languages, Over-The-Phone Interpretation is a simple, cost-effective solution to bridge the gap.
It helps you serve your audience better, avoid costly misunderstandings, and build trust. With so many business uses, maybe now is the time to make sure that you have OPI in your tool kit.
Do you want to know more about setting up OPI? If so, we’d love to talk to you.
Consultations are free and there’s no obligation. You’re in safe hands with us as we’re ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 compliant, have over twenty years of professional translation experience, and have earned the trust of organizations around the world.
