+ ‘How to Select the Best Conference Interpreter’ Checklist

Famously, conference interpreters have been the cornerstone of international conferences’ communication since the Nuremberg trials in 1945. As such, they are the best solution to get rid of the language barrier at your global event. (If you’re interested to learn more about this mysterious profession, watch this new documentary on Arte!)

Not only do they translate in real time the meeting at hand, allowing everyone to express themselves and listen to their counterparts in their preferred language, but they are trained to also bridge communication gaps. #SimultaneousInterpreting

That’s true, planning a global event, online or onsite, is… a lot! It can be exhilarating, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring seamless communication across languages and cultures. That’s where professional conference interpreters swoop in as your ultimate communication superheroes. Wondering how they can work their magic and what you should look for when hiring one? Well, let me walk you through it!

“Luna was an incredible help with our event
and went far beyond my expectations in
preparing and following up on the project.”

Zoe Crossland, Columbia University

First off, interpreters are like linguistic diplomats, neutral and poised to facilitate communication without bias. They’re not just transferring words from one language to another; they’re conveying the message, intention, and tone with finesse. Plus, they’re cultural chameleons, adept at navigating the nuances of different cultures to ensure nothing gets lost in translation. #ConferenceInterpreting

In the business world, interpreters are your secret weapon during negotiations. They can detect misunderstandings and swiftly steer conversations back on track, ensuring your interests are protected so you can sign that all-important deal. #BusinessInterpreting

But how do you find the right interpreter for your event to be truly global?

Here’s a handy 13-points checklist! (Number 6 in the list is my personal specialty)

1. Background check: Look into their training and experience. Years of formal training and practice are paramount and indicative of their expertise.
   
   
2. Professional association: Are they part of a translation & interpreting association, such as the CIOL, the AIIC or the ITI? This shows they abide by Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct and that they have been vetted by the professional bodies in the industry. Personally, I’m a proud member of the CIOL and planning on joining the other two next year ????
   
   
3. Testimonials and references: Reading reviews from previous clients & colleagues, on Google My Business or on LinkedIn can give you valuable insights into their capabilities, professionalism. It’s a reassuring social proof.
   
   
4. Relevant experience: Ensure they have experience in interpreting for topics similar to your event’s by asking for their CV, relevant experience or portfolio. It’s important they are comfortable with the terminology and with how the meeting will unfold.
   
   
5. Technical setup: If they’re working remotely (that’s called Remote Simultaneous Interpreting), inquire about their internet connection, equipment, and soundproof workspace to avoid any hiccups. For instance, I work with a professional interpreting headset, Logitech Zone 750, with premium audio drivers and advanced noise-canceling mic. I only work with a cabled high-speed Internet connection, and I have a backup data plan. I also have a backup computer, and I work as much as possible from a soundproof room or rented booth.
   
   
6. Crisis management: Assess their ability to handle technical emergencies calmly and efficiently. Ask them about high-stake meetings they had to cover, such as with the EU, the UN or other well-trusted large international organisations. Can they handle stress and pressure? Can they always keep their composure? Confidence in their technical prowess is key. That’s my ultimate superpower.
   
   
7. Professionalism: A friendly, helpful demeanour goes a long way in fostering a positive working relationship. Are they making your life easier and consulting with you on certain points? Are they telling you what they need, to perform at the best of their abilities? Are they offering you to take care of the technical side of things, or to find more interpreters for you, if you need more languages? I provide an all-round comprehensive international conference support, from selecting a suitable online remote interpreting platform to the planning stage, to managing the interpreting team, all the way to perfect delivery.
   
   
8. Language proficiency: Verify their fluency in both the source and target languages for accurate interpretation. You can, for example, ask them for voice samples. All interpreters should have them. (Please ask for mine!)
   
   
9. Confidentiality: Check how they handle confidentiality to safeguard sensitive information shared during the conference. And don’t hesitate to let them know what is confidential or not in the documents you will provide them to prepare.
   
   
10. Flexibility: Can they adapt to last-minute changes or additional needs that may arise before or during the event? Do they seem thrown-off by every little detail?
    
    
11. Booth partner: Interpreters always work in pairs. If your interpreter agrees to work alone for a time that exceeds 30 mins to 1 hour (depending on the type of meeting), the quality of the interpretation will greatly suffer. I love this analogy by AIIC: “For the same reason that you always have two pilots in a plane’s cockpit. Simultaneous interpretation calls for supreme levels of concentration. To maintain the very best professional standards, the interpreters alternate every 20 to 30 minutes. During his time off an interpreter is not inactive but helps his colleague by finding documents and jotting down numbers and names. It is team work.”
    
    
12. Backup plan: What is your backup plan in case of illness, unforeseen circumstances or technical difficulties preventing them from covering the event? You can ask them to help find a backup team that would be on-call.
    
    
13. Pricing transparency: Ensure that the pricing structure is clear from the outset. What are their copyright fees, if the meeting is recorded? What about extra time? Do they charge for travel time? For read-in time (preparation time)? Any other fees or expenses?

I provide an all-round comprehensive international conference support, from selecting a suitable online remote interpreting platform to the planning stage, to managing the interpreting team, all the way to perfect delivery.

Luna Jungblut – Artlife Translations

As the client, your role is pivotal, too. Providing interpreters with detailed information about the event enough time in advance and ensuring optimal sound and video quality are crucial for a successful collaboration. Yes. Every speaker in your online meeting needs a headset and microphone for sound quality. That’s non-negotiable =)

To conclude, if you’re on the lookout for a dependable consultant interpreter who can handle any Zoom crisis with grace and has a vast network of expert interpreters in various languages + specialisms, look no further! Make your event truly global.

I’ve got your back, ready to provide the best language solutions for your global event to be a resounding success. Let’s make magic happen together, book a call with me!

Our event would never have had the global impact
it did without the expert services of Artlife Translations.

Kristina Douglass, Penn State University

Posted on: 05/31/2024, by : Luna Jungblut