Interpreting

The Spoken Word

We can help you to communicate in person or by phone, with one person or a large group of people speaking another language. Our focus is on encounters involving English and Spanish speakers.

What Mode of Interpreting Should You Choose?

When you request an interpreter, you can choose between simultaneous or consecutive interpreting, and this choice will have various repercussions.

Consecutive interpreting is used for medical appointments, depositions and other client-attorney meetings, as well as in business negotiations and presentations to small groups. It doesn’t require any specific technology, but will make the event last much longer than the same type of event without an interpreter. It does have the benefit of enabling parties to negotiate meaning on the spot, whenever necessary.

Simultaneous interpreting requires specific equipment, which consists at least of a microphone for the interpreter and receivers and headsets for those receiving the interpretation. It might look like a tour guide arrangement, with the interpreter carrying a small transmitter and portable mike, or the interpreters may work in a fully-enclosed booth, hearing the speaker through headsets, and using an interpreter console to regulate the volume of the input into their headphones. This also requires the assistance of a technician to handle the equipment set-up and monitor reception throughout the event. Tips for Working as a Simultaneous Interpreter (or download as PDF)

Will the Event Involve Q & A?

Though all interpreters are bilingual, they usually have a dominant language, and it is very important to know if your encounter will require interpreting back and forth between English and Spanish and/or another language, or be limited to interpreting mostly in one direction. Many excellent simultaneous interpreters might not be so comfortable interpreting questions from the audience back to the speaker, so this requirement should be determined ahead of the event, to select the interpreter most suited for the assignment.

Your Interpreters Are Part of Your Team: Help Them Prepare

To provide you with the best service, interpreters benefit from receiving information on the subject matter ahead of time, so they can review it before the event. This can range from a mere outline or list of links you might be referring to, to the full text of your presentation and/or Power Point, in English. The more supporting materials you provide your interpreters, the better service you will receive. We can also assist you in translating any handouts or materials to be distributed to the audience.

When requesting an interpreter, please indicate the type of event, time, date, location, target audience and general topic/purpose of the event. When describing the target audience, it is useful to know the countries represented, whether these are international guests or Spanish speakers living in the US, and any other details you may have regarding their knowledge of the topic at hand. Also, please plan on sending any supporting documents at least 48-36 hours before the event, though a week is best.