Have you ever been to an event where people spoke different languages? Maybe it was a conference, a business meeting, a medical appointment, or even a court case. If so, you might have noticed someone helping everyone understand each other. That person is called an interpreter. They play an important role in bridging language gaps. Also, they make communication possible, even when people don’t speak the same language.
But not all interpreters are the same. There are two main types: simultaneous interpreters and consecutive interpreters. If you are hiring an interpreter, it’s important to know the difference and how to hire the best language interpreters in London.
Difference Between Simultaneous Vs. Consecutive Interpretation
Before hiring an interpreter, you must know which type suits your needs. Here’s the difference:
1. Simultaneous Interpreters
- These interpreters work in real time. They listen to someone speaking and almost simultaneously translate what is being said into another language. You’ll often see them at major events such as conferences, international meetings, or live broadcasts.
- They usually sit in soundproof booths and speak on microphones. And the audience listens through headphones.
For example, if a world leader is giving a speech in French. The audience, however, is primarily composed of English speakers. A simultaneous interpreter listens to the speech as the leader speaks. At the same time, they translate it into English in real-time.
2. Consecutive Interpretation
- These interpreters wait for the speaker to finish a sentence or thought before translating. Consecutive interpretation is often used in smaller meetings. Common examples include business meetings, doctor’s appointments, legal cases, and interviews.
- They take notes to ensure they don’t miss any details.
For example, a doctor explains a treatment plan in english. When they pause, the interpreter translates it into Spanish for the patient.
How Clients May Hire The Best Language Interpreters?
Hiring an interpreter is not just about finding someone who speaks two languages. Here’s how to find the Best Language Interpreters:
- Know Your Event Or Situation
First, determine what kind of interpreter you need. If you’re hosting a large conference, you’ll likely need simultaneous interpretation. A consecutive interpreter might be better if it’s a one-on-one meeting or a small group setting.
- Check Their Expertise
Not all interpreters are experts in every field. Some specialise in areas like medical, legal, technical, or business settings. Make sure the interpreter you hire has experience in the specific area you need. For example, if you’re in court, you’ll want someone familiar with legal terms.
- Ask For Certifications
Professional interpreters often have certifications from reputable organisations like:
- AIIC (International Association Of Conference Interpreters)
- ATA (American Translators Association)
- NAJIT (National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators)
These certifications show that the interpreters have been trained and tested for quality.
- Test Their Skills
If possible, ask for a sample of their work or conduct a short test. It can help you assess their accuracy, clarity, and ability to handle your specific needs. You can also check reviews or ask for references from past clients.
- Consider Their Equipment Needs
Simultaneous interpreters often require special equipment, such as headsets, microphones, and soundproof booths. Make sure your event space can accommodate this, or ask the interpreters if they can provide the necessary equipment.
How To Evaluate The Quality Of Simultaneous & Consecutive Language Interpreters?
Once you’ve hired an interpreter, it’s important to ensure they’re doing a great job. Here’s how to evaluate their performance, even if you don’t speak the language.
- Accuracy (Focus On The Message, Not Just Words)
A good interpreter doesn’t add their own opinions or leave out important details. If you speak both languages, listen carefully to see if the translation matches the original. A good interpreter doesn’t just translate word for word. They make sure the meaning of what’s being said is clear.
- Professionalism
A good interpreter stays neutral and doesn’t get involved in the conversation. They’re there to help others communicate, not to share their own ideas.
- Watch For Confidence & Clarity
The interpreter’s voice should be clear and easy to understand. They shouldn’t mumble or speak too fast. If the audience uses headphones (for simultaneous interpreting), ensure the sound quality is good. Also, make sure a skilled interpreter doesn’t pause too much or struggle to find words.
- Cultural Understanding
A great interpreter knows how to handle cultural differences. They adapt jokes, idioms, or formalities. So that the audience understands the message in their cultural context.
- Ask For Feedback
After the event, ask the people who used the interpreter for feedback. Did they feel understood? Was the interpreter helpful? This information can help you decide whether to hire them again.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Before hiring an interpreter in London, make sure to avoid some common pitfalls mentioned below:
- Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute
The best interpreters get booked early. Start looking for one as soon as you know you’ll need one.
- Don’t Choose Based On Price Alone
High-quality interpreters charge more for a reason. Investing in a good one ensures smooth communication.
| 🔗 Additional Insights: If you’re unsure about the rental cost of hiring language interpretation services and equipment, check out our latest blog: “How Much Does It Cost to Hire Interpretation Equipment?” |
- Don’t Rely On Machine Translation
Tools like Google Translate are helpful. But it can’t replace human interpreters, especially for important events.
Final Takeaway
Hiring the best language interpreter takes some effort, but it’s definitely worth it. Whether you need simultaneous or consecutive interpretation, following the right steps will help you find the best fit. It’s also important to evaluate their performance. This ensures they deliver high-quality interpretation services.
Still unsure? Don’t worry, EMS Communications makes communication easy for those who speak different languages. We have the expertise to help you and your event audience understand each other. Our team includes 730+ skilled interpreters, each with over 5 years of experience. We ensure clear and accurate communication across 60+ languages. Our experts specialise in various industries, helping you find the perfect interpreter for your needs. Additionally, our top-quality Bosch systems guarantee smooth and reliable interpretation.
With us, language is never a barrier.
