Tools and Tricks of Remote Conference Interpreting

By Atlas LS

What Is a Conference Interpreter?

A conference interpreter is a person who simultaneously interprets for one speaker at a time. A simultaneous interpreter is a person who is completely bilingual. Simultaneous interpreting requires a high level of skill and discipline. When a person is able to listen, understand, and simultaneously deliver a message that carries the same meaning as the original utterance without omitting, adding or changing the meaning, she is a great interpreter. In order to be a good simultaneous interpreter, a person has to have received training, and she also has to have a high level of experience. There are courses that a person can take in order to become a trained interpreter. In several countries, translation and interpretation is taught as a four year university course.

Interpreter Booth - Tools and Tricks of Remote Conference Interpreting

Where Do Interpreters Work?

Interpreters work wherever people are. If there is a business that works with, hires, or serves a community of individuals who do not speak English as a first language, these individuals will need an interpreter. Community interpreters work at hospitals, clinics, schools and banks. Generally, community interpreters do consecutive interpreting. Conference interpreters work at government meetings, conferences, and lectures. These are individuals who generally do simultaneous interpreting.

Where To Find An Interpreter

Interpreters can work on their own as freelancers, or they can work for an agency or a company. Interpreters who work in the community may meet the service user and service provider at their location, or they may interpret remotely. The same is true for conference interpreters.

What Tools Do Remote Interpreters Need

In order to interpret remotely, simultaneous interpreters use RSI equipment. This equipment allows them to do remote simultaneous interpretation. With this equipment, a client can find conference translation services at any time.

How To Work with an Interpreter

In order for your interpreter to give you the best service possible, you do well to go over the discourse that you are going to give with him. In that way, he can make allowances for unknown words or jokes. Interpreters are professionals, but when they have a heads up on the discourse, they are able to be more effective.

Thank Your Interpreter

Interpreting is one of the most mentally challenging jobs. It is like juggling, riding a bike and talking at the same time. There are many people in the world who are bilingual, but there are few great interpreters out there. If you work with a conference interpreter, recognize the difficult task that she is doing, and thank her for her dedication.