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Interpreting

Why do I need an interpreter?

Interpreting deals with the spoken word and can take place face-to-face or over the telephone, in a conference or meeting clients. You might need an interpreter for a business meeting, event or exhibition or working with individuals in your community.

You can increase your overseas sales, repeat business and customer satisfaction using professional freelance interpreters and interpreting services.

Different types of interpreting

'Consecutive interpreting' - each speaker pauses after a few sentences to allow the interpreter to convert the speech into the other language.

'Simultaneous interpreting' is used at meetings when the interpreter sits behind the listeners and whispers to them or provides the interpreting remotely via headphones.

Telephone interpreting can be a quick, cost-effective solution, with the service generally managed through a central helpline routed to a call centre.

For conferences, consecutive and simultaneous interpreting techniques can be used and often require specialist equipment that needs to be ordered in advance.

Planning interpreting assignments

Establish a relationship with your interpreter, so that they are familiar with the specialist terminology. Rates can be charged by the hour, half-day or day, with costs based on the demand for the language and the context. Make sure you agree and make allowance for travel expenses, subsistence and accommodation costs.

• Reserve and brief your interpreters well in advance to ensure availability. Longer meetings may need two or more interpreters.
• Look for evidence of quality assurance, such as membership of one of the professional associations such as the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, Chartered Institute of Linguists or Conference Interpreters UK.
• Check for experience in your sector and the type of interpreting needed, e.g. public service, business or conference.
• Ask if they are covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance.
• Arrange the room so that interpreters so have a good view of people and presentations and can hear clearly.
• Brief everyone about the interpreter's involvement before the meeting or event begins.

• Speak slowly, clearly and concisely at all times. Avoid using jargon, slang, puns and jokes - they can be very difficult to translate.

Interpreting guides

Read our Translation and interpreting guide for international trade produced in association with UK Trade and Investment.

Read the Conference interpreting guide and Interpreting for the public services guide produced by RLN North West.