Using Speakyboo with Vietnamese

Vietnamese is a big customer language in Houston, San Jose, Westminster, New Orleans, and Atlanta. Speakyboo translates it cleanly. Here is how to get the most out of it.

One dialect, two regions

Vietnamese has Northern and Southern dialects. They are mostly the same in writing but sound different. Speakyboo translates to standard Vietnamese which both groups understand. You do not need to pick a region.

Names are tricky

Vietnamese names usually go family name first, then middle, then given name. When the customer says their name, write it down in the order they say it. Do not flip it to "first last" like you would in English. They will thank you for getting it right.

Watch out for diacritics

Vietnamese uses accent marks on letters. Speakyboo will produce them correctly in the translation. If you are copying the text into a text message or invoice, make sure your phone or computer supports them. Most do, but old printers and some accounting software strip them out.

Be direct on price and timeline

Vietnamese culture often respects directness in business. Do not soft-pedal the price. State the number, state when you can do the work, and ask if they want to move forward. Speakyboo will translate it cleanly and the customer will appreciate not being talked in circles.

Common phrases to save

• "I am the owner of the company."
• "We are licensed and insured."
• "I can start on Monday."
• "Cash, check, or card?"
• "Thank you for your business."

These come up on every job. Save them and tap once.

When the customer is older

Older Vietnamese customers, especially first generation, may speak with a heavier accent that throws off the mic. If Speakyboo struggles, ask the customer to type their question in Vietnamese on their own phone and show you. You translate the text. It is a tiny bit slower but it works every time.