- Firstly, while you have been told that everyone understands English, don't assume that is the case (in fact try not to get rattled when the first guy through the door says "I dont speak English" when you try to say hello)
- When they say "there is a translator," what that may mean is yes, there is one formal translator BUT there are likely going to be several people in the audience who end up doing "mini translations" through your presentation
- This then results in essentially 20 of the 40 people present talking while you are talking - at the same volume you are talking at
- You will be reassured to just keep talking, but you are then faced with the dilemma - do you speak louder so everyone can hear you? Or do you speak slower to respect the lag in the translation?
- There is also the wild card that half of the room are also partners of the retailers present - so they may be talking about something that does not relate to you as they did not come on this trip to learn about chips.
- A roving photographer adds a degree of difficulty, try to smile as you present and watch that your double chin doesn't get into shot. (Mental note to ask to audit the photos before they are shared - did they ask me to sign a talent release form?!?!?)
- At the end of the presentation, be comfortable with the fact that you will have no idea if people enjoyed your presentation and have faith that your energy and love for the brands and the business got across even if the exact words didn't.
Hope that helps if you ever have to present to 40 people from Mexico!