How Many Interpreters Does Your Event Really Need?
It’s a question we hear often from clients: “Can we just work with one interpreter for our event? It’s simpler, less expensive, and ensures consistency, right?” While this may sound logical at first, professional simultaneous interpretation involves a serious cognitive load on the interpreter. Depending on the type of event and duration, having multiple interpreters isn’t just a ploy from the language company to bank more bucks, it’s not a luxury… it’s a necessity.
Why Two Interpreters Are the Gold Standard
In the world of interpretation, redundancy isn’t a matter of convenience; it’s essential. Think of it like critical systems in aviation or healthcare: just as you wouldn’t want a single pilot flying your commercial airliner or one surgeon in a complex operation, relying on one interpreter for a demanding event introduces significant risks.
Consider this: Depending on the language and topic, an interpreter on average processes up to 150 words per minute. That’s 4,500 words or the equivalent of 18 pages of text received, processed, translated, and then flawlessly read back and that’s in just 30 minutes of simultaneous interpretation. The cognitive load is enormous. To maintain flow, clarity, accuracy, the respect of all protocols while ensuring no details are lost, interpreters work in pairs, alternating every 20-30 minutes. This teamwork enables one interpreter to actively interpret while the other performs other cognitively less-demanding tasks such as jotting down notes, and performing terminology research.
Scenarios Where Two Interpreters Are Essential
To help clarify when multiple interpreters are necessary, here are three common event scenarios:
- Simultaneous Interpretation at Conferences/Events
- For events/presentations under 30 minutes, one interpreter may suffice.
- For anything longer, whether it’s a half-day or full-day conference, two interpreters are non-negotiable to maintain quality and prevent fatigue.
- Accompanied Interpretation (Factory Tours, Tours, Exhibitions, Business Meetings)
- The answer depends on the schedule. A few short meetings might only require one interpreter, but a full day of discussions demands two interpreters to avoid mental exhaustion and ensure accurate communication throughout.
The Risks of Understaffing Interpreters
The cost of hiring two interpreters might feel like an added expense, but it’s a smart investment. Interpreter cognitive fatigue can lead to miscommunication, which can have far-reaching consequences especially in high-stakes business or diplomatic settings. That’s why leading organizations like the UN, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund always prioritize appropriate “manning strength” for interpretation services.
For example, the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) emphasizes the importance of adequate staffing. Their agreements even allow exceptions for single interpreters only in rare, half-day cases paid at premium rates due to the intensity of the work.
Professional Standards for Your Success
If you’ve worked with only one interpreter in the past for full-day events, it’s likely you weren’t working with a professional language services provider. No qualified interpreter would agree to work under suboptimal conditions, and no reputable provider would recommend it.
At 360 Smart Lingo, we see interpretation as a vital part of your event’s success. Our priority is ensuring clear, accurate communication whether it’s a multinational conference or a small business meeting. Partnering with experienced professionals and adhering to industry standards isn’t just about protecting your investment; it’s about maximizing the success of your event.
So, the next time you’re planning a conference, event, meeting or appointment that may require interpretation, ask yourself: Is the liability risk of not worth the investment into a second interpreter? For us, the answer is clear: investing in the right number of interpreters isn’t an extra expense it’s the foundation for effective communication and success and a pretty solid insurance policy.
