Thinking beyond price

When organising an international event, effective communication is key. Hiring a professional interpreter can make the difference between success and failure. However, choosing the right provider is not just about price comparison. There are other factors to consider to ensure smooth and accurate multilingual communication. Here are some of the most important ones.

1. Experience and qualifications:

👍🏼 Make sure that the interpreters are experienced in the type of event and the topics to be covered.

☑️ Verify that they have the necessary qualifications, certifications and competencies for the job.

🕵🏻️ Ask for references and testimonials from past clients.

2. Specialisation:

❗ Specific terminology requires in-depth knowledge of the subject matter.

👀 If your event deals with technical or specialised subjects, look for interpreters with experience in those areas.

3. Mode of interpreting:

❗ Consider the type of interpreting you need: simultaneous, consecutive, liaison… Each modality has its own characteristics and requirements.

❓ Not sure which mode is right for your event? Ask your consultant interpreter or your conference interpreting service provider (CISP).

4. Equipment and technical support:

👍🏼 If you need simultaneous interpretation, make sure that the provider you choose has the appropriate technical equipment (booths, receivers, headsets, microphones, etc.).

☑️ Verify that the equipment complies with applicable regulations, that it is ISO certified, that it is in good condition and that it is properly maintained.

❗ It is important that the supplier can offer technical support to solve any problems that may arise with the interpretation equipment.

5. Reputation and professionalism:

❗ Professional ethics are fundamental to interpreting.

🔎 Research the market reputation of each supplier you are considering.

👍🏼 Make sure that interpreters are professional, punctual and discreet.

6. Languages and language combinations:

👍🏼 Make sure that the provider offers the languages, language variants and language pairs you need.

☑️ Check that the interpreters are fluent in their working languages and have a thorough knowledge of the subject matter of the event. Again, it is paramount that the interpreters have the necessary qualifications and skills required for your event.

7. Planning and coordination:

❗ Good planning and coordination are essential for the success of any interpreting assignment.

👍🏼 Make sure that the supplier you choose works closely with you to ensure that everything goes according to plan.

8. Flexibility and responsiveness:

❗ Responsiveness is crucial to solve any problems that may arise both before and during the event.

👍🏼 Make sure that the provider is flexible, and can adapt to your needs and to any last-minute changes.

9. Confidentiality:

❗ Bear in mind that information discussed or handled at your event may be confidential.

👍🏼 Make certain that the provider can ensure confidentiality and protection of information.

10. Guarantee:

❗ It is recommended that the professional you choose has strong credentials in the interpreting industry.

🥇 Industry-specific international standards, such as ISO 23155 for conference interpreting, ensure that interpreters meet the requirements in terms of qualification, professionalism, competence and quality in the management and provision interpreting services. They guarantee confidentiality and information security, all of which are critical for the smooth running of any interpreting assignment.

In summary:

Hiring professional interpreters is an investment that can make all the difference to the success of your event. By considering these factors, you can choose the right provider and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

ENCI, an ISO 23155 certified interpreting service provider, meets and exceeds all the requirements outlined above. If you need a top-quality interpretation service for your next multilingual event, reach out to us and we will help you engage with your audience in the language THEY speak.