Communication is key, regardless of what sector of activity your business operates in.
Your company has carefully crafted its mission statement, its core values, the benefits of its services, and the specifics of its growth or outreach strategy. You need your team to be on the same page, to have the same crystal clear idea of what the company’s mission, values, services, and strategy are.
You need your investors and clients – current and prospective – to have a clear idea of who you are, what you stand for, and what you can do for them.
Everything has been put in place. The analytical data that informs your decisions, the elements of your plan, and the results you envision have been identified, parsed, and defined. And yet there remains one formidable and ominous obstacle preventing this clarity – the language barrier.
This is where services like translation and simultaneous interpretation come to save the day. Forget AI programs like Google Translate – translator programs simply aren’t as smart as professional interpreters yet.
What is the role of an interpreter?
Experienced professional interpreters are unbiased and impartial communications facilitators. Interpreters are linguists fully fluent in more than one language with a comprehensive understanding of all aspects that go into communication. He or she translates what the speaker says in real-time, matching the tone and weight, and the values and tastes that are reflected in the speaker’s word choice – whether it’s during formal functions or online meetings.
An interpreter does not express his or her own opinions, attitudes or judgments. The interpreter bridges language and cultural gaps between parties at the sole intent and discretion of the speaker they work for.
A professional interpreter guarantees absolute confidentiality in the communication he or she assists with.
How is virtual translation carried out?
Due to the Covid- 19 pandemic, more and more presentations and seminars are being held online. The benefit of this trend is that more people from more regions of the world can attend meetings that otherwise would be held in physical locations. It also means that you have more options when it comes to providing translations or interpretation services for your functions.
Consecutive interpretation vs simultaneous interpretation
As its name suggests, consecutive interpretation is when the speaker of the source language and the interpreter take turns speaking. It is optimal for telephone conversations, negotiations, or small meetings, but can also be used for larger gatherings and conferences.
On the other hand, in simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter will translate while the speaker is giving the presentation. In a live physical setting, the audience members who wish to listen to the interpreter do so via a headset or similar device. Simultaneous interpretation is ideal for larger functions, especially when interpreters are needed for multiple languages.
The choice of which style of interpretation you wish to have will depend on the type of public function you’re hosting and the presentation you’re giving. Consecutive interpretation takes a bit longer for the message to be delivered, as the speech is given twice – once in each language. However, it does allow audience members the opportunity to listen first to the source language then the translation is given should they require any clarification.
Some speakers prefer consecutive interpretation over simultaneous as it can create a more intimate feel to the presentation. The audience is given a chance to follow the presentation in the source language, and the speaker can use non-verbal communication to connect with their listeners, assured that a translation will follow and none of the content of the presentation will be lost.
A simultaneous interpretation has the advantage of being faster and is ideal when the presentation needs to be translated into more than one language.
How Covid-19 changed the game
Pre covid 19, generally exercised their craft either from a sound-proof booth, on stage with the presenter, or seated near or with the audience. Their work would require special equipment, such as wireless transmitters and audio mixing equipment.
Due primarily to the Covid-19 pandemic, how an interpreter provides interpreting services has changed somewhat. Now that more and more events are being done online, many interpreters work remotely from home or a home office.
With new advancements in online streaming services, your online conference can benefit from video remote interpreting without the need for special equipment beyond a quality microphone and headset, which the interpreter provides.
The frequency of online events and the sophistication of the platforms that host them means that video remote interpreting services can be conducted smoothly and at a lower cost – both consecutive or simultaneous. This trend will most likely continue well after Covid-19 is no longer with us. It’s more convenient and saves money – and a webinar can handle a much wider audience than an in-person experience.
Inclusivity matters
Advancements in technology have allowed us to reach an international audience, to reach people where they’re at and on their terms. The benefits of these advancements in technology are innumerable. However, they also come with certain responsibilities and increased expectations from customers, team leaders, and investors alike.
With the tools and opportunities now at our disposal, there is no reason, no valid excuse for anyone to be left behind. Inclusivity matters. And, now more than ever, it’s far easier to achieve.
Beyond providing a real-time translation of the content of your online events – conferences, Zoom meetings, webinars, and video chats, etc. – our dedicated team of experienced professionals can also provide closed-captioning for the hearing impaired.
What events call for an interpreter?
In short, any event you host – be it online or in a physical space- wherein you aim to transmit information, to communicate an idea or ideas, or wherein your objective is to start or build a relationship calls for an interpreter.
Not only does a quality interpretation ensure effective communication, but by soliciting the help of interpreters, you are sending the message that you care, that you are willing and prepared to go the extra mile and reach people where they are and on their level.
Beyond ensuring clear and effective communication, using an interpretation service is a sign to your clients, team members, and investors that you are a serious well-run organization. Communication is key, and so is perception.
What to look for when hiring translators and interpreters
When working with interpreters or translators, you are entrusting them with a vital aspect of your work – the very message you are communicating with your customers, your clients, your team.
Interpreter or translators worthy of that trust must possess certain attributes without compromise:
- Intimate knowledge of the languages they are working with. It is not enough to be fluent. An interpreter is a linguist with an in-depth understanding of cultural references and sensitivities.
- Effective communication skills. An interpreter is a professional communicator. He or she must be engaging and pleasant to listen to. He or she possesses an agreeable voice, good enunciation, articulation, and rhythm, is easy to follow and understand.
- Respect and strict adherence to industry ethics. An interpreter is a business professional who guarantees the work will be carried out pleasantly and respectfully and guarantees absolute confidentiality.
