Online events with the support of online interpreters

How are online interpreters involved in online events?

Strictly speaking, the term online interpreter is somewhat misleading. The simultaneous and consecutive interpreters are simply connected via various platforms or streaming solutions using apps or browser solutions. They work from either temporary or permanent interpreting hubs run by professional equipment providers or interpreting studios run by conference interpreters.

If there are more than two conference languages, the use of an interpreting hub is highly recommended. Only there do event organizers and conference interpreters receive the technical support they need to ensure a smooth process and successful communication.

Professional technicians support online interpreters in interpreting hubs

Experienced conference technicians and streaming experts supervise and monitor incoming and outgoing signals and intervene if something does not go according to plan. Some of these equipment providers even have their own Zoom licenses that run on their own servers so that all GDPR requirements are met. Needless to say that other platforms and solutions can also be used if they meet the technical requirements for the work of conference interpreters.

Simultaneous Interpreting with Zoom

For all participants, a reliable wired internet connection (no WLAN), a quiet environment and appropriate microphones are crucial. Only then will all participants be able to hear everything well and the interpreters will be able to interpret the content accurately.

(Including VKD video on the topic: “For good sound quality in remote interpreting” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Row99BmCYxw)

The worldwide conference interpreters’ association AIIC conducted an extensive microphone test with a group of potential participants and the support of the European Patent Office and the European Union Language Service. This report can be downloaded here (https://aiic.org/company/roster/companyRosterDetails.html?companyId=13280&companyRosterId=26). We will be happy to advise you on the subject of microphones. As language professionals, your participants’ auditory health is particularly important to us. That’s why we offer our customers the rental of microphones as a special service for online and hybrid events. As part of this service, we ship suitable microphones to your speakers. Your audience will appreciate the difference in sound quality. As language professionals, the hearing health of all participants is particularly important to us. This is why we offer our customers the loan of microphones as a special service for online or hybrid events. As part of this service, we send suitable microphones to your speakers. Your listeners will appreciate the difference in sound quality.

As part of our full-service package, we offer our customers a package consisting of the:
– Setting up the event and liaising between event organisers, interpreters and other stakeholders
– Provision of microphones and conference equipment
– Briefing of the speakers
– Liaison between organizer, interpreters and other participants
– technical support during the event.

Coordination in the run-up to a Zoom event is crucial to ensure that simultaneous interpreting runs smoothly and that everyone involved is well prepared. Here are some important aspects of coordination:

  1. Clarification of requirements: The organizer must clearly understand and communicate the requirements and expectations regarding simultaneous interpreting. This includes the number of interpreters required, the languages to be translated into, the duration of the interpreting and other specific requirements.
  2. Provision of the necessary resources: This principle applies equally to all participants. At this point, we would like to refer you once again to the video embedded above and the microphone test mentioned.
  3. Definition of the language channels: The organizer needs to set up the language channels in Zoom according to the required languages. Each interpreter is assigned to a specific language channel. As mentioned above, we are happy to provide this as a service to the organizer.
  4. Provision of documents for preparation: Interpreters prepare thoroughly for each event. Presentations, scripts, videos should therefore be provided to us at least 7 days before the event.
  5. Technical tests: Before the actual event, technical tests should be carried out to ensure that all audio equipment is working properly, the internet connection is stable, and the interpreters can hear well and are heard well.
  6. Communication with the participants: The organizer should inform the participants about the availability of simultaneous interpreting and give them instructions on how to select the desired language. As mentioned above, we are happy to provide this as a service to the organizer.
Further information on compliance with the GDPR can be found here(https://explore.zoom.us/de/gdpr/).