First, make sure you are connected to the internet.
To select the languages to translate to/from, tap on the languages displayed on the bottom of the home screen. A list of languages will be displayed. Select the language and tap “OK” in the upper right corner. Optionally, you can tap on the mic icon on the top left corner of the screen and say the language you'd like to select.
Be sure to select one language on the left side and the other language on the right.
Press and hold the physical button under the language you speak. Wait for initial beep sound and then speak into or near Pocketalk. (Speaking approximately four inches from Pocketalk is generally optimal.) When you’re finished speaking, release the button. You’ll hear the translation in the other language and see it displayed in text.
Now pass Pocketalk to your foreign language speaking friend and have them do the same.