It is essential to know the purpose of the text and the readers' language
"The style of a press release should not resemble that of a set of technical instructions."
It is essential for a translator to know the public for which the document is intended; whether it is a matter of technical instructions, the minutes of a meeting or a sales brochure, it is vital to use the right words and the appropriate turn of phrase. The language of the readers to which the document is addressed is also an important parameter. Should a British English translator be used or a translator from America? Are the terms “a skeleton in the cupboard” or “a skeleton in the closet” used.