“Challenging times” are words we often hear nowadays. Due to the current pandemic, many of us have had to adjust our professional pattern of working and interpreters have been no exception to this. Luckily, platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams have enabled this transition to be as smooth as possible. But just how dependable are they and how can these tools add value to our work and yours?
Why Online Interpreting Is Here To Stay
The environment in which we are working can sometimes affect our performance in interpreting. Background noise is often an unavoidable distraction in a face-to-face assignment. However, with remote interpreting, no matter how many people we may have to interact with, we can easily choose who to mute and un-mute. This allows the interpreter to solely focus on the speaker. There are endless user-friendly options too. One which we use regularly is an integrated file sharing option which allows participants to actively engage with each other, without interfering with the main speaker.
In a face-to-face assignment, interpreters sometimes have to be somewhere for a specific time and often it can be quite a distance away. Now, an 8.00 am assignment is no longer arduous. Travel time and expenditure is cut to zero! In addition, the health and safety of all parties involved are protected with a click of a button, no matter where they are in the world. These platforms have enabled us to continue offering our interpreting service and as a result, actually connecting with people more frequently.
Interpreters are essential to promote good communication across cultures in business. It is our role to do it as discreetly as possible, and to act as an intermediary between two parties. We have noticed, with online interpreting, that we are now an active participant in the conversation, and in turn, we feel more valued as an interpreter. As the language interpreter for the Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, we thoroughly enjoy interpreting for the players. Another unexpected bonus to remote language interpretation is that we get to “meet” participants beforehand and go through what will be talked about on the call, providing a good opportunity to further prepare for the meeting. Which benefits both the business and the interpreter.
Face-to-face interpreting is always something we will enjoy as we like to be out and about and meet people. Whilst we are excited about getting back to some sort of ‘normal’, remote interpreting should be seen as a fantastic opportunity which allows us to connect with people quickly and easily. If you require a language interpreter or would like to discuss how our translation services can support your business, contact our team today or call +44 (0)1902 312 988.
