Over the last four years, most of us have taken a crash course in video conferencing, from classes to meetings and conferences. In Kenya (and worldwide), the notion of virtual conference interpretation sprang to popularity with the introduction of virtual conferences, increasing demand for remote interpretation services.
This change from traditional in-person conferences to virtual gatherings began to gain traction in the early 2010s, with significant growth in the use of remote simultaneous interpreting platforms and technology. The move to virtual interpretation services has been further expedited by developments in communication technology and the requirement for worldwide connectivity, notably in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which dramatically raised the usage of virtual conferencing solutions.
The world is becoming more interconnected, a global village. Physical boundaries are no longer limits, and language barriers shouldn’t either. This has made communication across borders effective. Here are some best practices that can be applied when conducting a virtual meeting that needs interpretation.
Make sure interpreters have adequate equipment to get started.
Remote simultaneous interpretation provides equal language access for participants from various linguistic backgrounds, but only if interpreters have the necessary tools to do their duties correctly. Remote simultaneous interpretation requires all parties to receive audio and video with live interpretation simultaneously, which is why high audio and video quality is essential.
Ateric Translations makes sure that the interpreters have all the equipment they need to provide you with excellent virtual interpretation.
Conduct a technical inspection and trial run.
Test equipment ahead of time, especially in the case of remote simultaneous interpretation for video platforms, which have numerous moving pieces, including technology, scheduling, speakers, and content.
When providing remote simultaneous interpretation to our clients, Ateric Translations guides event hosts and interpreters through the video platform. The result is a clear, concise video conference with seamless transitions and an accessible style in which all attendees may actively participate.
Prepare necessary materials for interpreters ahead of time.
Interpreters require significant preparation time to offer high-quality interpretation. After agreeing to partner with a language solutions provider, ensure that interpreters receive documents regarding the event, host, attendees, and any other pertinent information. You may also specify proper nouns such as the names of people, places, and things that you intend to discuss during the conversation so that the interpreters can prepare properly.
This may seem like a minor step, but it makes a significant impact. The stakes can be enormous, especially when simultaneous interpretation is used; there is virtually no second chance. Giving interpreters time to prepare improves both the accuracy of the interpretation and the experience for the interpretation recipients.
Select an effective virtual meeting platform.
When it comes to best practices for integrating remote simultaneous interpretation into your video platform, don’t forget about the video platform itself. In reality, certain video systems are notoriously unprepared to handle remote interpretation. Free platforms may function well for ordinary professional or casual video conversation, but they’re prone to bugs, which cause pauses and delayed speech and replies.
If you are using platforms, like Zoom, you need to set up the interpretation tool before the meeting. Reach out to Language Service Providers, like Ateric Translations, once you know interpretation services are needed. We will guide you on how to Enable Language Interpretation, assign interpreters either before the meeting or as they join the meeting.
Organize your meeting effectively.
Creating an organized meeting agenda not only keeps the discourse on track but also gives a clear path for interpreters to follow. Short pauses between presenters or sections are also a pleasant gesture that allows everyone to recover their breath while keeping the meeting running smoothly. Your participants and interpreters will both appreciate the thorough planning.
Emphasize Clear and Moderate Speech.
When preparing and arranging speakers, highlight the significance of speaking clearly and at an appropriate speed. This guarantees that interpreters may smoothly sync with the spoken information, promoting optimal understanding and improving the interpretation experience for all guests.
Use a camera with excellent quality to provide interpreters with clear images.
It is critical to have excellent images so that speakers can be seen by all attendees, particularly interpreters who rely on visual clues to determine tone and mood. Ensure that speakers are visible and recognizable to improve the interpretation experience.
Have a clear channel of communication.
Effective communication with your interpreters is critical for the success of your multilingual conference. If you have any problems or need help, you must have a dependable way to contact them. This may be accomplished by appointing a dedicated interpreter coordinator and using purpose-built remote interpretation tools. With these tools, you can be confident that your interpreters are always just a click away.
Ensure a Stable Internet Connection.
A reliable, high-speed internet connection is critical for providing flawless interpretation in virtual conferences. Test the connection ahead of time, and consider utilizing a wired ethernet connection for the greatest efficiency.
In conclusion, the world is digitalized, and the best way we can maximize this development is if we use it with excellence. Trust Ateric Translations with your virtual conferences that require interpretation in Kenya, Africa, and worldwide.
