Interpreting: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What interpreting is

An interpreter converts speech between two spoken languages in real time at meetings, appointments or events. The interpreter works in person, by phone or by video, and in either consecutive or simultaneous mode, so the setting and the format must be agreed before the session.

Signs you need it

  • You have a medical, legal, school or social service appointment, and the other person does not speak your language.
  • You are holding a business meeting or negotiation with people who speak another language.
  • You are hosting an event, conference or training where the audience needs the speech in their language.
  • You need a phone or video call interpreted between two languages for a service or a sales conversation.
  • You have a formal interview, hearing or proceeding that requires a neutral interpreter.
  • You need a one-off interpreter for a short visit, a family event or a community meeting.

What the pro does

  • Gets the topic, the setting, the speakers and any technical terms before the session.
  • Chooses the mode with you, such as consecutive interpreting for short exchanges or simultaneous interpreting for longer talks.
  • Interprets the speech accurately, keeping the meaning, tone and any sensitive content as spoken.
  • Works in pairs or a team for long sessions, switching roles so the interpretation stays accurate.
  • Confirms key points at the end where the setting requires it, and flags any problem with the connection or the audio.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of the session and whether it needs more than one interpreter.
  • Mode, consecutive or simultaneous, and whether equipment is needed for simultaneous work.
  • Setting, such as a medical, legal, business or community appointment, or a large event.
  • Technical or specialist content that needs preparation time.
  • Travel time and the location, or whether the session is by phone or video.
  • Lead time, since short notice bookings can be harder to fill.

What a written quote should spell out

  • The length of the session and how many interpreters the booking includes.
  • The mode of interpreting and any equipment included.
  • The preparation time for the material and terms.
  • Travel time, and whether phone or video sessions are included.
  • Cancellation terms and how late changes are handled.

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which two languages are needed, and which regional variety do the speakers use?
  • Will the session be consecutive or simultaneous, and why?
  • Does the interpreter have experience in this setting?
  • Can you send the material or the terms list before the session?
  • What is your plan if the phone or video connection fails?
  • Do you need a team for a long session?

Red flags

  • Offers to interpret without asking about the setting or the topic.
  • Uses a family member or a child as the interpreter for a medical or legal matter.
  • Cannot describe the interpreter's experience or any credentials they hold.
  • Promises an interpreter without checking availability for the session.
  • Asks for full payment before the booking details are confirmed.

What you can do yourself

You can share the topic, the speakers and any terms with the interpreter before the session, and plan short sentences for the speakers to use. Hire a professional interpreter for any medical, legal, school or business matter, and avoid relying on a family member or a child, since those settings need a trained interpreter who can keep the content accurate and private.

Licenses and permits

Interpreting is not commonly licensed as a general business, so a license is usually not required for the work. Some courts, medical providers and government offices ask for a certified interpreter, so check the requirements of the setting and the interpreter's credentials with the organization that will host the session.

Interpreting questions

What is the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting?

In consecutive interpreting, the speaker pauses and the interpreter speaks after each short section. In simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter speaks while the speaker talks, usually with equipment. Consecutive suits short exchanges, and simultaneous suits longer talks and events.

Should I use a phone or video interpreter?

It depends on the setting and the topic. Video lets everyone see the interpreter's face and any written material, and phone works when video is not available. Ask the interpreter which they recommend for your case.

Can I use an app instead of an interpreter?

An app can help with simple exchanges, but it can miss meaning, tone and sensitive content. For medical, legal or important matters, a qualified interpreter is the safer choice.

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