By Konstantinos Menyktas

In the post-COVID era, organizing a multilingual conference or event no longer requires a physical venue or country-specific location, as remote events have become an alternative. Remote conferences offer many benefits, including the possibility of inviting more speakers and participants from around the world, easier organization, and lower costs. In such scenarios, rather than having on-site interpreters, organizers can opt for Remote Simultaneous Interpreting (RSI). There are two primary options for event organizers: either rent an interpreting hub with a dedicated technician, or recruit interpreters who have the necessary equipment in their own offices.

Here are three essential tips for organizers to ensure a smooth, successful event while making the lives of interpreters—and themselves—easier:

1. Choose the Right RSI Platform

Selecting the right platform is crucial for any multilingual event. Reliable platforms such as Zoom, Interprefy, and Kudo are well-suited for RSI, and it’s essential that the platform meets the specific needs of the event. Ensure the platform supports high-quality audio and video, and that technical support is available before and during the event to handle any issues with connectivity or equipment.

It’s also important to verify that the platform is compatible with both the interpreters’ and participants’ devices. As a precaution, always have a backup internet connection in case the primary connection fails.

2. Prioritize Audio Quality and Internet Connection

High-quality audio is vital for interpreters to deliver accurate and real-time interpretation. Organizers should advise speakers and participants to use high-quality microphones and headphones. Additionally, minimizing background noise is critical, so noise-cancelling features are recommended for both speakers and participants. Ensuring everyone is in a quiet environment will significantly reduce disruptions and make interpretation smoother.

3. Provide Thorough Training and Briefing

To ensure interpreters are well-prepared, provide them with all relevant materials—slides or key documents—in advance. This allows them to familiarize themselves with the content and terminology, ensuring more accurate interpretation.

Share any specialized terminology or industry-specific vocabulary with interpreters beforehand, and be clear about language variations, dialects, or regional preferences (such as British vs. American English) to prevent misunderstandings. Additionally, give interpreters a comprehensive briefing on the event structure, key speakers, and main points to be covered. Participants should also be informed about the RSI process and guided on how to select language channels and use the platform’s features correctly.

Don’t Forget Interpreter Fatigue

RSI is a demanding task, and interpreter fatigue can affect performance. To mitigate this, interpreters typically work in pairs, switching every 20-30 minutes. Ensure that enough interpreters are hired for longer events to allow for proper rotation and rest breaks.

Finally, if your event involves sensitive information or personal data, ensure the platform complies with data privacy and confidentiality regulations. For high-stakes meetings, it may be necessary to have interpreters sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect confidential information discussed during the event.