10 Mistakes Conference Organisers Make When Hiring Interpreters

A conference budget can stretch into the thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of pounds. But what’s the value of stunning venues, high-end catering, and impressive stage setups if your international attendees can’t follow the discussion? Clear communication is the backbone of any successful global event, and hiring skilled interpreters is not just an option; it’s a necessity. 

Yet, many organisers make costly mistakes when selecting interpreters, leading to confusion, Misinterpretation, and disengaged audiences. Must avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your message resonates with everyone. 

Mistake 1: Calling An Interpreter A Translator

One of the biggest misconceptions is using “interpreter” and “translator” interchangeably. An interpreter is not the same as a translator. While both deal with languages, they are distinct professions. Translators work with the written word, like books and documents. But interpreters? They deal with the spoken word, like in meetings and conferences. So, if you need someone to help at a conference, you need an interpreter, not a translator. 

Mistake 2: Not Differentiating The Types Of Interpretation

Do you think all interpretation equipment and types are the same? Another clanger. There are different types for different situations:

• Consecutive Interpretation: Someone speaks, and then the interpreter translates. Suitable for small meetings. 
• Simultaneous Interpretation: The interpreter translates at the same time as the speaker. This is ideal for big conferences, where the interpreter is tucked away in a booth with fancy equipment. 
• Chuchotage (Whispered Interpretation): The interpreter whispers the translation in someone’s ear. This method is helpful for one or two people. 
• Over-the-phone interpreting: The interpreter is on the phone. Handy for quick chats. 
• Video Remote Interpreting is like over-the-phone, but you can see each other. It is beneficial for sign language or visual cues.

Mistake 3: Hiring Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment And Interpreters Separately

Getting interpretation equipment from one company and hiring interpreters from another. This is a big mistake conference organisers make. This can lead to serious technical and logistical issues that can disrupt your event. 

Simultaneous interpretation requires highly specialised equipment, such as soundproof booths, interpreter consoles, headsets, and receivers. If the equipment doesn’t match what the interpreters need, problems can occur. It might cause delays, making people wait. The sound might not be clear, making it hard to understand. In the worst case, the system might stop working altogether.

The best option is to choose an expert company like EMS Communications. We provide skilled interpreters and high-quality interpretation equipment in one package, which means everything will work well without any issues. Our team installs and sets up everything for you during your event, ensuring that your multilingual conference goes smoothly without any trouble.

Mistake 4: Leaving It To The Last Minute 

Trying to book interpreters a week before the big day? You’re ‘avin’ a laugh. Good interpreters get booked ages in advance, especially the ones who know their stuff. 

Mistake 5: Hiring A Non-Professional

Do you think that your mate who speaks a bit of Spanish will do the job? Many people believe a friend who speaks two languages can be an interpreter. But speaking two languages is not the same as being a trained interpreter.

Some events, like legal, medical, or technical conferences, use difficult words. A trained interpreter knows these words and their meanings. A professional interpreter makes sure every word is correct. They do not take sides. They are familiar with different cultures and how people speak. 

If you hire someone without training, they might make mistakes. This can cause confusion and problems. It is always better to hire a trained interpreter.

Mistake 6:  Not Providing Information In Advance

Even the best interpretations perform better when they have time to prepare. Before the event, share details with the interpreters. Tell them about the event and highlight the important topics you will discuss. Give them keywords and terms used in your industry. This helps them comprehend the subject better and interpret it clearly. This preparation leads to more accurate and seamless communication during the event. 

Mistake 7: Overlooking Language Combinations

If someone speaks Spanish, it doesn’t mean they can also understand French and German. Interpreters work with specific languages. If you hire the wrong interpreter, they may not understand or translate correctly, leading to serious communication problems.

Mistake 8: Speaking Too Fast Or Using Complex Language 

Clear and steady speech makes the interpreter’s job easier and ensures accurate interpretation. Avoid using slang, idioms, or overly complex jargon that may not translate well. If abbreviations are necessary, introduce them first. Making slight pauses between thoughts also gives the interpreter time to relay the message.

Mistake 9: Addressing The Interpreters Instead Of Audience

A common mistake is talking to the interpreter instead of the person you want to speak to. Remember, the interpreter is not part of the conversation but is there to help translate your words. You should speak as if you are talking to the other person, and the interpreter will translate for you. Avoid using phrases like “Tell them...” or “Ask them…” Instead, speak in the first person. This way, the conversation feels natural and clear for everyone.

Mistake 10: Not Having A Backup Plan

Technical hiccups happen—that’s just life. However, not having a backup plan for your interpretation equipment or team can turn a small problem into a nightmare.

Solution For All These Mistakes

Don’t let these mistakes derail your next conference. EMS Communications provides comprehensive interpretation solutions, including: 

• Expert interpreters cover 60+ languages. 
• Top-quality Bosch simultaneous interpretation equipment.
• Professional sound-proof translation booths.
• Complete technical support. 
• Experienced event interpretation team.

Bottom Line 

So, there you have it. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can get the best out of interpretation services. A good conference helps people understand each other, no matter what language they speak. A simple “thank you” at the end of a session can help build a good relationship with your interpreter. It also makes future teamwork better.

At EMS Communications, we provide expert interpreters and top-quality Bosch interpretation systems. Our equipment makes sure your event runs smoothly without any interruptions. Whether it’s a conference, exhibition, or virtual meeting, we help everyone stay connected and informed. 

Let’s make your next event accessible, interactive, and multilingual. Contact us to discuss your interpretation requirements.