Interpreting
Interpreting
How do I organize interpreting for this event?
A brief howto. Contact me for specific guidance!
The beginning: meeting you
First, we need to know a few things about the event:
When will it take place? What is the subject matter? How many people will be there? How many will speak each language? Is there a time limit?
Preparing the quote
With this information, I will prepare a quote with how many people will we need, how much the sound equipment will cost (if any), how much time for preparation of the interpreters, sound set up timing, and costs.
The OK
We'll agree on what you need from me and what I need from you, and I'll reserve the date for you. Often an advance payment is needed at this stage.
Speaker documentation
Interpreting looks like magic, and like most magic, it is a well prepared trick. We will need (at best) two weeks in advance any slides, papers, biography, or other relevant documentation about the speaker's talk.
Preparation
We will study the documentation —it's like studying for an exam, really— and gather glossaries, related texts, and even rehearse some bits.
Travel
Often interpreting in a live event requires some travel. We can organize it ourselves, but we're normally quite grateful if you include us in the event's general accommodation, meals and transportation plans.
Sound test
We will be at the venue about half an hour before we're needed, to test sound.
The interpreting itself
The best part! The speaker delivers the speech while we either:
- talk into a microphone from a sound-proofed cabin, and the public listens through special earphones.
- take notes for a few minutes, interpret, and repeat.
And done!
This is the time to celebrate, gather feedback, sign our timesheet, pay the remaining balance, all that wrap-up after the great event… and plan the next one!
There are two types of interpreting?
Yes, with different results, costs and technical requirements.
Which kind of interpreting is the best for me?
What is most important for you, time, cost, space, result? Maybe you want…
Simultaneous interpreting
Consecutive interpreting
interpret, and repeat.
A fast meeting
Simultaneous interpreting is twice as fast as consecutive interpreting. Ideas flow back and forth as if people were speaking in their own language. Warning: arguments may heat up quickly too.A multilingual meeting
If you're going to use more than two languages, simultaneous interpreting is for you.A meeting in a big venue
The interpreting booth and the sound mixer take up a bit of space (from 3×3m).Higher budget
Simultaneous interpreting is more expensive, because to do it properly you need special equipment, two interpreters and one sound technician.A calm meeting
Consecutive interpreting takes twice as long, but that gives people time to think and cool down when debating delicate topics.A bilingual meeting
If you're going to use only two languages, consecutive interpreting may work for you.A meeting in a small venue
Consecutive interpreting is the most intimate, and all it needs is the two people we're interpreting, the interpreter, pen and paper. Even the table and chairs are optional (we recommend them if it is going to be long!).Lower budget
Consecutive interpreting tends to be cheaper, even if the per hour cost is higher, because you need no special equipment and often just one interpreter.I am available for hire
I'll be delighted to talk to you about your project.
Call me at +34 658 051 365, Skype me (skypedebego) or write: