The 5 qualities of a remote interpreter
As you well know, the most widespread mode of interpreting (or oral translation) is currently remote interpreting (or remote oral translation).
Basically, it consists of translating in oral form the speaker’s words at a conference, meeting, etc. Unlike what was seen in the past, everything happens entirely online with remote interpreting.
You can already imagine that interpreting on-site at a specific event is not the same as doing it over the internet. Therefore, today I would like explain the qualities that a good remote interpreter should have.
The remote interpreter, in addition to being dedicated to their work, must also possess other skills that go beyond interpreting itself.
Índice de contenidos
Index of contents
Index du contenu
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Indice dei contenuti
1. Stable connection
One of the most important aspects to consider for a remote interpreter is having a stable internet connection. You don't even want to imagine how horrible it is when your connection drops in the middle of a conference and the interpreting disappears.
To avoid these scares, the most advisable thing, apart from having a good fibre broadband plan, is to establish a wired network connection. Connecting directly through a network cable provides more security than being connected through a wireless network.
A well-prepared remote interpreter will have more than one screen and, if possible, a laptop that they can place in front of or next to their equipment. It usually proves very effective when interpreting with booth colleagues.
2. Good computer skills
In addition to a good command of their working languages and all the qualities that can be consulted in our blog “5 features of the conference interpreter”, a remote interpreter must also have good computer skills.
This is very important, given that interpreting remotely involves working with computer programs and platforms.
Nowadays, platforms with an interface that allows interpreting, such as Zoom, are still not fully developed.
They work quite well when only one interpreter per language combination is required. However, when a bigger event requires more than one interpreter per language combination, things get a bit more complicated.
It will be the interpreter who has to deal with the shift changes with their colleague, and I can assure you that this requires quite a bit of work and coordination.
Another example also applies to bilateral or liaison interpreting, where the interpreter orally translates into two different languages. In these cases, knowing how to quickly switch between channels is a great advantage.
3. Workplace
With the current health crisis, I'm sure you or someone you know has been forced to work remotely. We all know this greatly impacted our daily lives, but the first question we all ask is, “Where will I set up my equipment?”
In many cases, a room that was not being used for anything in particular ends up as our home office. If this room is also far from the kitchen and bathroom, it is the ideal place for interpreting.
But not everyone is so lucky. So, it is necessary to find a place where no background noise can be heard, that has double-glazed windows and where we can connect our equipment via a network cable.
4. Equipment
In addition to everything I have mentioned above, as if that were not enough, it is essential to have good equipment that boosts the quality of the interpreters' work.
Therefore, having good headphones with an integrated microphone is crucial. If the interpreter wants their voice to reach the listener clearly, fluently, and without interference, they must ensure they have the best headphones available on the market.
I would say that headphones and microphone are key elements for performing a good interpreting job. This is, of course, assuming that the sound quality coming from the speakers is equally clear and smooth.
Obviously, for those who can afford it, it would be ideal to have a portable interpreting booth that can be set up in the home office.
5. Good reflexes and improvisation skills
Imagine yourself at the conference, ready to listen to the interpreting. Also imagine that one of the speakers has very poor connection and parts of the speech are lost.
This undoubtedly poses an additional difficulty for the interpreter, so having good reflexes and improvisation skills can often save the speech.
This not only applies in the case of a poor connection, but also in cases of technical failures. Unfortunately, many clients still do not believe in the benefits of having a technical team or a technician from a translation agency at their events. As a result, the interpreter usually is the one who ends up helping solve certain problems.
Conclusion
If there is one thing that is clear, it is that the world is constantly changing, and what is true today may not be tomorrow.
In the midst of this digital revolution, adapting is not always easy and much less affordable. However, interpreting has existed since humans began to communicate and will continue to exist if new technologies do not replace it.
With the necessary equipment and knowledge, it is possible to continue interpreting and offer the same quality as previously provided on-site. There are already thousands of professionals who have managed to adapt to the circumstances and who continue to perform their work with great motivation.
After all, with remote interpreting, events are multiplying. And yours? When is it scheduled for?
Add new comment