Top tips for hiring an interpreter – part 1
Securing an interpreter for your meeting or event requires careful planning to ensure you get the best out of the service.
That’s why we’re sharing top tips to help you navigate the process. In this article we’re looking at the preparation needed ahead of time.
Booking and scheduling interpreters
To ensure you have the right support when you need it, it’s best to book your interpreter as far in advance as possible. This is especially important for longer meetings, events requiring specialist knowledge, or situations where you may need to retain the services of an interpreter with specific language requirements over multiple meetings.
Identifying the right interpreter
Partnering with a professional language solutions provider gives your business fast access to qualified, accredited interpreters who understand your sector, meeting format and language requirements. By managing bookings, briefings and quality assurance on your behalf, they ensure every booking is organised efficiently.
Sharing your requirements
When you’ve found the right language solutions provider and you’re ready to submit your interpreting request, here’s what you should include:
- Language required
- Clearly specify the date, time and location
- For virtual meeting make sure you let them know what application you’ll be using and share the meeting link or joining details
- Any special considerations – this may include recording the call or specific confidentiality requirements
- If you require a specific gender, due to cultural or religious reasons, be sure to include this as well
Booking in advance
Interpreters are in high demand, so booking well ahead maximises your chances of securing the right professional for your needs. Early booking is particularly important for assignments that may require interpreters with specialised skills or for events that are expected to last several hours. If you need interpreting support for a specific project or case you’re working on, you can request that the same linguist is allocated to all your meeting dates.
Confirming and updating assignment details
Once your booking is confirmed, review all details carefully and promptly communicate any changes. Confirming the interpreting assignment and all specifics in advance helps avoid misunderstandings or last-minute cancellations. If your needs change or you want to extend the use of their services, notify the bookings team as soon as possible to update the schedule.
Special considerations
If your assignment may be lengthy or complex, mention this when booking, as it may affect interpreter availability and the need for regular breaks or multiple interpreters. Also specify any requirements for call recording, confidentiality, or particular terminology.
By booking ahead and confirming all relevant details, you help ensure a smooth, accessible, and professional interpreting experience for everyone involved.
Preparing ahead of the session
Providing interpreters with relevant information and context before the session is essential for ensuring accurate and effective interpretation.
Industry and in-house terminology
When interpreters are well-prepared, they can anticipate subject-specific terminology, understand the flow of the meeting, and deliver more precise translations. If your conversation plans to include specific industry terminology or internal acronyms you use in your business, then it’s important to provide a glossary so your interpreter can correctly follow the process.
Share any materials that will be referenced or discussed during the session, such as presentations, agendas, minutes of previous meetings, or scripts. Supplying these in advance allows interpreters to familiarise themselves with the subject matter, specific terminology, and the overall context.
Additionally, outline the purpose of the session and provide background information about the participants, if relevant. This preparation helps interpreters take effective notes and the opportunity to ask clarifying questions before the session begins, reducing the risk of misunderstandings during interpretation.
Safeguarding and confidentiality
If your session involves sensitive topics or safeguarding issues, inform the interpreter beforehand and clarify your safeguarding policy so they can handle these appropriately. The interpreter and language solutions provider should be happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement upon request or confirm in writing that they will treat the discussions within your meetings with complete confidence and discretion.
By equipping interpreters with all necessary information ahead of time, you enable them to perform at their best – resulting in smoother, more accurate communication for everyone involved.
Continuing the conversation
In next month’s blog we’ll discuss why effective communication is important, and why it’s important to structure your interpreting meetings with adequate breaks.
How NRL Languages can support your interpreting needs
If you are planning a meeting or event and want confidence in your interpreting arrangements, NRL Languages can support you from initial planning through to delivery. Our team will help you identify the right interpreter, manage the booking process, and ensure every detail is handled professionally and securely.
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy.