Needs analysis

Once a client has contacted a consultant interpreter (CI) with an inquiry, the consultant interpreter carries out a needs analysis:

What your consultant interpreter needs to know to plan a project:

  • Conference programme/time frame: the number of interpreters to be used depends, among other things, on the time frame. Standard working hours for simultaneous interpreter teams are eight (8) hours incl. breaks (i.e., approx. six hours' net interpreting time). Depending on the topic and degree of difficulty of the event, at least 2 (or 3) simultaneous interpreters work together as a team per booth.
  • Number of rooms (plenary session, workshops, parallel working groups, break-out rooms): In how many rooms will interpretation be required? What languages in what rooms?
  • Number of conference languages:
    • Number of listeners: How many headsets/receivers are needed? Into how many languages will interpretation be required?
    • Number of speakers: From how many languages will interpretation be required?
  • Form of presentation: Frontal or interactive? This will determine the number (and type) of microphones needed in the room and/or on the podium.
  • Modes of interpretation: What types of interpretation are required in which room? Simultaneous interpretation for an expert conference? Consecutive interpretation for a reception? Ad-hoc interpreting for a trade show booth?

On the basis of this information, the CI consults with the client on the best possible way of meeting the needs of the event. The client can then request a quotation from the CI, who will put together a potential team by placing options with colleagues who are suitable for the assignment and available on the date in question. The CI then submits a quotation that meets the client's requirements which the client can consider and/or negotiate with the CI. Further arrangements or alterations can be made as required. If the client decides to place the project with the CI, the CI confirms the assignment to the team members. The CI will approach the client for suitable preparation and study material for the team and coordinate the team's pre-assignment preparation. The CI maintains contact with the client for any further organisational and planning details and, in most cases, serves as liaison to the client during the conference.