The modern world gives us many opportunities for better communication with people who speak a language other than English, like translating apps or professional interpreting services.
Remote interpreting services are a great way to streamline conversations between teams and customers, but it’s important to partner with a professional interpreting provider to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Whether you’ve worked with a language service provider or are new to remote interpreting, let’s explore the power of this service and best practices.
What Is Remote Interpreting?
Remote interpreting refers to interpretation services delivered over the phone or video. The interpreter is at a remote location, while the parties who need the interpreting service can be in person or remotely. There are two main types:
- Telephonic interpreting uses a telephone to connect an interpreter to a conversation in real-time. Participants call a dedicated line to access an interpreter.
- Video remote interpreting (VRI) uses video conferencing technology to connect an interpreter to a conversation in real-time. VRI allows for visual communication between interpreters, providers, patients, and other parties.
In both cases, qualified interpreters can quickly join conversations and interpret back and forth remotely using secure, reliable technology. This provides flexible, on-demand access to services without necessitating travel.
Best Practices
When choosing a remote interpretation provider, keep these best practices in mind.
Qualified Interpreters Are Key
Skilled interpreters can make or break the quality of remote sessions. Look for interpreters with:
- Subject-matter expertise like healthcare or law
- Native proficiency in the required languages or dialects
- Excellent verbal acuity and memory retention skills
- Familiarity with cultural nuances of the meeting parties
- Ability to accurately interpret all forms of speech
- Comfort interpreting virtually for longer sessions
Remote settings have unique demands, and working with specialized interpreters with proven expertise helps prevent miscommunications.
Tailor Preparation to Remote Settings
Preparing for remote sessions can optimize outcomes. Here are a few tips:
- Share a glossary covering company or industry-specific phrases and acronyms with your language services provider
- Ensure any equipment you will use works properly before you start your session
- Familiarize yourself with interpreter protocol, so you’re aware of how the conversation will flow.
Taking time for interpreter preparation sets the stage for a smooth session.
Maintain Security and Compliance
Protecting sensitive information is especially critical in remote settings. Be sure your remote interpreting provider has the following protocols in place:
- Annual materials/training regarding compliance with HIPAA, confidentiality, privacy, and non-disclosure laws
- Secure work environment requirements (free from distraction)
- A secure, end-to-end encrypted video remote interpreting platform
Finding the Best Remote Interpretation Partners
Vetting providers ensures you have access to the best remote interpretation services. Key areas to assess include:
- Capabilities: Offer diverse modes like video and phone
- Screening: Rigorously vets interpreters for skills and experience.
- Compliance: Maintain stringent data privacy and healthcare compliance standards
- Track record: Look for extensive successful experience enabling remote interpretations for like organizations
- Customer service: Provide technical coordination and management services to support seamless delivery
Partnering with an established provider offering robust services and technologies delivers best-in-class remote interpretations.
Realizing the Value of Remote Interpreting
When executed effectively, you’ll reap all the benefits of remote interpretation:
- Cost efficiencies: Reduces expenses by eliminating travel and hourly minimums of on-site interpreters
- Flexibility: On-demand access to interpreters minimizes delays and scheduling challenges.
- Scalability: Services scale up and down to match changing interpretation needs
- Business continuity: Remote services enable service continuity even when in-person options are disrupted
- Expanded language access: Connect with qualified interpreters in more languages
With the right people, technology, and planning, remote interpreting delivers significant benefits for achieving your global communication goals.
Look to Certified Languages International for Remote Interpretation
Certified Languages International is a leading provider of telephone and video remote interpreting. Our advanced but intuitive technology connects you to qualified interpreters within minutes. We offer interpretation in 230+ languages 24/7 to meet your most pressing communication needs.
We understand that many industries require nuance, which is why our recruiting team sets a high bar and then tests for quality and language proficiency. Our interpreters are seasoned in terminology and industry practices in healthcare, banking, insurance, and more.
Whether you want VRI services for remote meetings or need to connect with an interpreter on the phone right away, we are here to help. Request a quote or learn more about our interpretation offerings. Or, check out our blog to explore topics like why interpreters in banking are important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is video or phone interpreting better?
Video enables visual cues, while phone interpreting can be more cost-effective. Evaluate your budget, connectivity, and needs to determine the best modality for you.
Is remote interpreting appropriate for sensitive conversations?
Remote interpreters are bound by confidentiality agreements and work from secure locations, but depending on the nature of the conversation, on-site interpreters might be more appropriate.
