How do you plan an event with interpretation in Ecuador?

On many occasions we are contacted by clients who have not had experience with requesting  quotes or information regarding real-time interpretation –sometimes erroneously known as simultaneous translation– . But what usually happens is that in the best of cases they do not give us enough information to make a quote or in the worst case, they do not understand what the service is all about.

Below you will find a brief guide of what to consider when you are planing an event with interpretation, in Ecuador or anywhere.

1. What kind of  venue do you need for your event?

   

Firstly there are several possible modalities for the interpretation service but we can say that most fall into variations of two main kinds: simultaneous and consecutive.

Simultaneous interpretation:

In this kind of interpretation, interpreters listen to the speaker through headsets and transmit the message to another language in real time, that is, simultaneously. Each audience member listens to the interpretation through personal receivers. This is the most commonly use kind of interpretation. It requires high levels of concentration in 20 or 30 minute shifts from interpreters. This method is ideal to insure a bilingual or multilingual meeting transpires fluently.

Consecutive interpretation:

Consecutive interpretation does not occur in real time. In this modality, the speaker and the interpreter take turns talking. The interpreter uses pauses in the lecture or conversation to interpret what has been said until that moment. Then the speaker continues with his discourse until a new pause. This modality does not require special equipment besides a PA system in case of large events. This interpretation requires an extra effort on the part of the interpreter for he o she must commit to memory what is said and summarize it before interpreting it. This is why sometimes a notepad is used to help the interpreter with memory aids. Note that with this modality any presentation will take twice as long as planned in the original language.

2. What languages will be used in the event?

To answer this you must tale into account the language of the presentations, and the makeup of the audience. Many times, for example, an event is planned only with the English-Spanish combination in mind, forgetting Portuguese-speaking speakers or audience members. Not because a person can interpret between English and Spanish can they do it between English and Portuguese.

3. What is your event’s schedule?

The event’s schedule is important to decide our availability and to know how many interpreters we must assign to your event. If you require simultaneous or consecutive interpretation for more than one hour uninterrupted, you will need 2 interpreters for your event. The interpreters take turns at their job in order to avoid fatigue and maintain clarity of mind and efficiency in their work during your event.

4. What kind of interpretation equipment is required?

In the case consecutive interpretation you do not need equipment, except for a public address system if the location so requires, as in the case of large Hotel meeting rooms.

In the case of simultaneous interpretation, you require broadcast and reception equipment so that the audience can listen to the interpreter at the same time as the speaker. Moreover you need audio equipment so that the interpreters can properly listen to the speaker. There are several hardware configurations according to the type of event and location. When you request interpretation equipment we can advise you about what is the best configuration for your specific event.

5. What other event-related services do you require?

Ñ Translation Services provides other event services besides interpreters and interpretation equipment. The first thing to take into account is sound, that is the public address or sound amplification system. Oftentimes hotels or event venues already include a PA system when you rent a room. However, interpretation systems require microphones to properly function, so that the sound from said microphones can be routed to the interpreters in the booth. Ñ Translation Services can provide microphones and PA systems (speakers) and insure good audio and compatibility with interpretation hardware.

Note also that we can provide audio recording for your event or we can record the interpretation which might be even more useful to you. Besides this we can also arrange to have text translators for your event –for example, to take minutes, and translate agreements– and event photography or video coverage for events.

6. Interpretation Materials

Interpreters are not all-knowing. For a correct interpretation we need to have material beforehand to study concepts and terminology. Make sure you obtain from the lecturers or experts in the field the materials about the event’s subjects so that we can keep our interpreters informed and they can prepare.

Moreover if you are going to project videos, we require scripts or transcriptions of the videos beforehand and to insure a proper audio connection to our booth so that the interpreters can properly listen to the video.

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If you are planning an event in Quito or in Ecuador that requires simultaneous interpretation –simultaneous translation– Ñ Translation Services is by far your best option. We are not an agency, we are a group of interpreters, so we can make sure that the best professionals are available for your event. We can tell you precisely who will be working with you and what is their experience. Not only that. We will assist you with anything you may require in Ecuador besides our services. If we don’t offer it, we’ll help you find it! Email us at info@translation.ec and browse our website https://quitotranslation.com/en/ for more information.