Conferences represent a unique opportunity to bring together multilingual participants from across the world. They’re a chance to share ideas, learn, and discover new angles on topics. However, sometimes in-person participation is difficult, whether due to geography or other logistical challenges.
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) draws on technological solutions that support this exchange when other obstacles are present. In doing so, it helps to make effective communication accessible to all. Read on to find out whether VRI is suitable for your conference – and how it can be used to ensure a seamless, inclusive experience for all participants, wherever they might be.
What is video remote interpreting (VRI)?
To understand whether video remote interpreting services will be suitable for your conference, it’s worth exploring exactly what they entail. Video remote interpreting simply means employing the services of an interpreter who is not close enough to you to interpret in-person. The interpretation still happens in real time but is conveyed via video.
The same principles apply as with in-person interpreting services: an experienced, highly skilled interpreter listens to the speaker’s message, translates it into the target language, and then relays it via video to the remotely connected participant.
This is usually carried out simultaneously (“simultaneous interpreting”). For more complex or technical content, consecutive interpreting may be more appropriate, allowing the interpreter a pause to consider the original message. This type of interpreting is mostly used for virtual meetings with a limited number of participants, rather than a conference where the speaker’s message needs to be relayed instantly.
What are the benefits of VRI?
VRI comes with many benefits. Whether it’s scaling a conference to a large international audience, managing a hybrid event, or reducing the logistical burden of traditional on-site interpreters, VRI is often a versatile solution. However, it’s essential to carefully consider the technical requirements, the nature of your event, and the availability of qualified interpreters to ensure that the service meets your needs.
Some of its primary draws are:
- Cost-effectiveness
By eliminating the need for travel and accommodation for interpreters (and participants), this option reduces the overall cost.
- Flexibility
Because interpreters can attend from all over the world, a wide range of languages can be included. What’s more, due to the reduced travel implications, interpreters can often attend at short notice.
- Accessibility
Interpretation services are available to conference attendees no matter where they happen to be in the world. It also enables those from diverse linguistic backgrounds to attend, including those attending remotely. This also applies to the interpreters themselves; with minority languages, it can be challenging to find a qualified interpreter and they may not be able to attend the conference venue in person. By using VRI, these interpreters can work remotely from wherever they are in the world.
- Scalability
One of the biggest benefits of VRI is its potential to be scaled to differing sizes of events. That means participants can use this technology for a small virtual meeting, or for a large, multilingual international conference – and everything in between.
- Immersive experience
VRI is also one step up from over-the-phone interpreting. As it includes both video and audio, participants feel more included than with a telephone interpreter.
Can VRI be used for sign language interpreting?
Video remote interpreting services are an ideal way to enable participants who are deaf or hard of hearing to access conference content. While many people associate interpreting services with foreign languages, VRI is the perfect tool for American sign language (ASL) interpreting. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can see the ASL interpreter on their screens, allowing them easy access to the content being conveyed. VRI can also make virtual meetings more accessible, requiring only a few basic technical requirements.
What technical requirements are there?
A high-speed internet connection is a prerequisite for participants joining remotely. In addition, high-quality video and audio equipment ensures clarity, which is paramount for effective communication.
Capital Linguists also has a fully scalable range of top-notch interpreting equipment, from headsets and microphones to soundproof booths and radiofrequency equipment. We are also able to provide a full technical support package during your event, to resolve any technical issues such as poor connectivity, audio lag, or software glitches. What’s more, we set up all equipment before the event, to ensure everything runs without a hitch on the day! This includes both the equipment required for interpreters and participants attending in person, as well as all the technology enabling individuals to attend remotely.
In many cases, when paired with the right planning and resources, VRI can prove to be an excellent way to promote accessibility for all and enable multilingual participants to attend when logistic challenges are at play. With a little careful consideration and tailoring, it can bolster the success of your multilingual conference and improve the experience of both the interpreters facilitating and the individuals attending.
Capital Linguists is proud of its unwavering high standards and personalized service, and our experience in conference interpreting is second to none. To discuss your conference interpreting needs in more depth, don’t hesitate to reach out and we’ll be happy to discuss your project further!
