A place @ the table
Remote simultaneous interpreting has no doubt a place @ the table but not @ the head of the table. It is a tool which can help in preliminary or urgent meetings as we have seen lately. However when high level meetings need to take place, in-person conference interpreting is required. And now definitely has been proved.
Lately, we have all made more inroads into the virtual world and have managed to continue operating and it was a good thing under the circumstances.
Small business, local government agencies with scarce resources, and NGOs which rarely need lots of meetings can sometimes manage with remote interpreting depending on the level required and using fully qualified professionals.
During these difficult times, many of them unknowingly hired inexperienced interpreters and made half progress or no progress at all through the virtual contact offered, wasting financial resources. So, be aware of quick fixes!!
That is the reason many times we did not recommend RSI, as we knew it would not work in certain circumstances and we preferred to decline the request made by some prospective clients.
The above experiences have allowed many clients and prospective ones to appreciate what they really need and have lately talked to us after their not so happy experience, about the need for fully qualified interpreters, correct methodology and equipment, be it either traditional or virtual.
Solutions have been found for all of them and we hope to continue doing so.
Remote Simultaneous Interpreting, and other forms of remote interpreting, will continue to emerge after the COVID-19 crisis. They will be more popular and no doubt they will eventually get better. There will be good and bad platforms. But please do not believe they are the only or ultimate solution @ present.
We are here to help in equal measure small or big businesses and institutions in these changing times. So, please contact us for the most adequate method for your needs.