We know the pressure: it is up to you to organise the upcoming business meeting, involving partners from all the foreign subsidiaries and you need a “simultaneous translator”. Or perhaps it is a series of talks with speakers from all over Europe. How do you make sure that all the participants receive the same information (and even participate) in their respective languages? Without a doubt, you need to hire a professional interpreter.

If you need advice on the matter, look no further, here we explain 9 key points to request a quote for an interpretation service adjusted to your needs:

1. Language pairs

Many interpreters are fluent in two or more languages, but we need to know which languages will be used in the event in question.

2. Official?

Not all interpreters are certified, so if you need them to be, request it specifically from the start.

3. Date, time, place

We will, of course, need to know when and where the event you need our services for will be held.

4. Type of interpretation

    • Simultaneous: this is the most frequently needed type in conferences. Normally, two interpreters work using a transmitter-receiver system (usually from a cabin) and take it in turns to interpret the speaker simultaneously.
    • Consecutive: the interpreter listens and takes notes on the speech, and the speaker pauses every 3-4 phrases in order for the interpreter to intervene and interpret those phrases out loud in the target language.
    • Liaison: this type is most often used in bilateral meetings or with groups of around 10 people. It could be classified under consecutive interpreting however it is more dynamic because the interpreter acts on shorter intervals. Here, we could include whispered interpretation or chuchotage, which could be defined as a simultaneous interpretation that the interpreter whispers into the ear of the person who must receive the speaker’s message.

5. Number of participants/attendees

Performing a whispered interpretation to one person is not the same as interpreting consecutively for a group of 10 people.

6. Spaces

If there is a need for cabins, do you have them? If so, how many? Are they sufficient to cover all the required languages?

If the space does not have cabins, is it possible to set up portable cabins? Is there any kind of sound system?

7. Subject matter

Giving a speech on cosmetic surgery is quite different from elaborating on 3D printers. Good interpreters are noted for their versatility and ability to absorb knowledge from multiple fields; however, it is always important to know what subjects will be touched on in the event. Moreover, the interpreter must have access to all the documents that may be used or shown in the presentations he/she is going to interpret, whether they be videos, Powerpoint presentations or even publications or articles that may be quoted.

8. Duration

How many hours do you expect the talk/meeting/conference to last? If we are talking about a conference, how many days will it last? Are interpreters needed every day?

9. In addition, it might be useful to know the following points:

    • Schedule/specific times of the meetings in question
    • Who are the participants?
    • Supporting staff: an interpretation quote does not usually include the task of giving out and collecting the technical equipment from the public. It is important for the client to take this into account because, as a general rule, the interpreter does not carry out these tasks.
    • Will the event be recorded, and therefore the interpreter(s) also? If the answer is yes, all those involved must be informed.

If you need a quote for interpretation but you are not yet sure what you need, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to advise you.

See you for our next post!

Header image: Malte Wingen on Unsplash