One-stop consulting

Each event involving interpretation is unique, differing in type of venue, audience, style of presentation and much more. For this reason, I take great care to consult clients about how to best prepare for and implement each assignment.

For instance, I consult clients about the criteria for selecting professional interpreters, about the technical equipment required, and about the considerations to be taken into account when organizing online or on-site events that involve interpreters.

Common scenarios and questions

We are organising a multilingual conference//board meeting/staff training/European Works Council. What are the key considerations?

We are expecting international guests. Some of our guests are unable to either comprehend or converse in English. How can we address this language barrier?

We would like to invite speakers from different cultural backgrounds. What cultural conventions must we understand to avoid offending anyone?

We are organising a video conference with our international business partners/potential clients/legal advisors. What are some main topics to take into consideration?

What format would be most suitable for our multilingual event: an in-person meeting, an online session or a hybrid approach?

Do we really need interpreting booths and on-site audio and video technicians for our multilingual event?

We need an interpreter for a guided tour/multi-day trade mission/official reception with foreign guests. Could you help us find the right interpreter?

Our family doctor/surgeon/medical specialist needs an interpreter during consultations with a patient and their relatives. Can you help us with this?

I am sure that you will have further questions.

Common situations that all require the same thing: the advice from a skilled and seasoned interpreter.

You need the services of one or more interpreters but are unfamiliar with the criteria that apply to professional language services.

You have used the services of an interpreting agency or event organizer before, but were not satisfied with the results. 

You are organising a multilingual online meeting on a platform such as Zoom, Teams or Bluejeans.

You are planning an event with international attendees at a conference venue, but your budget is limited.

You’re under pressure to organize a meeting with participants who speak different languages at the last minute.

Due to rapid technological progress, particularly in artificial intelligence, the translation and interpreting industry is undergoing a seismic shift. We are inundated with an onslaught of newly emerging platforms and tools, each accompanied with its own acronym and buzzword like RSI, MT, TM, MTPE, CAT, CAI and the cascade model. It is also crucial that we understand when and how to use them. Finally, we must also be sensitive to issues of confidentiality and discretion. In that context, how can we understand the bigger picture? How can we discern what’s realistic, exaggerated or just marketing hype?

I would be more than happy to provide one-on-one guidance for any such challenges!

Michael Miethke, your interpreting consultant.