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The recent increase in remote working has seen businesses around the world searching for off-site alternatives to their everyday in-person practices. This has led to a huge rise in companies offering video remote interpretation (VRI) services. Much like face-to-face services of a similar kind, VRI allows professionals to bridge language gaps through the help of an interpreter. This remarkable software also has the added benefits of being completely remote, cost-effective and flexible. VRI is now the fastest-growing foreign language service in the US. As with anything though, it is important to know what to expect from this type of technology before making use of it. It’s vital to ensure you’re dealing with a professional and reputable platform, and this article will cover what you can and should do to successfully implement VRI. Decent interpreters The thing that sets video remote interpretation apart from other telecommunication services is the interpreters. It is vital that VRI interpreters are very good at their job. They should be able to enunciate clearly so that clients can read their lips, and if necessary they should reiterate their message using chat functions. Quality The success of VRI relies solely on the clarity of the call. In order to hold a seamless conversation, your computer will require high quality speakers, microphone and camera. You will also require a good internet connection (more on this below). Technical requirements The rise of social distancing during the pandemic meant that many of us became accustomed to online video calling platforms, therefore we all know how tedious it can be to hold a conversation with someone who has an unreliable internet connection. VRI requires all parties to have a strong internet connection and plenty of bandwidth in order to provide seamless communication. Simple speed tests can be run to check your internet’s capabilities, and if needs be, an upgraded internet plan is easy to obtain from your provider. Comfort Professionals will know how important it is for all participants to feel comfortable during conversations. Attempting to communicate in a language you do not speak fluently can be highly stressful. Prior to meeting, if there is a chance that your client may struggle to understand the content of the discussion, be sure to stress that a video interpreter is available at any time to clear up confusion. Positioning Research shows that the majority of human communication is non-verbal in nature. For this reason, when using video remote interpretation, it is particularly important that all participants have a clear view of each other. The client’s VRI unit should be placed directly in front of them as this way they will be able to see their interpreter’s face and hands too, which is essential when speaking with deaf or hard of hearing clients who may need to communicate via sign language. Background One thing to bear in mind when holding video meetings virtually is the background. This is not something people will necessarily need to consider before holding a meeting at their workspace, but during video calls the focus should be on the participants. A neutral and professional background is vital in these settings. Protocols Whilst VRI is a brilliant option in many situations, it may not be the most suitable answer every time. It is good practice to agree with staff when VRI is necessary, and when an in-person translator or other interpretation service should be considered. Video remote interpretation is an exciting service for businesses. It is simple to use, and its impact can be invaluable for clients. It is recommended to employ a professional interpreting company when using this technology and ensure the above is taken into consideration to achieve the best possible results. Author Plate Ari Keneally is a consultant for Bilingual Connections, a company offering professional foreign language services, including video remote interpreting. With a mission to help people use language to enhance their career and improve their quality of life, the company provides a comprehensive service in over 70 languages for a variety of industries to meet the challenges of today’s global arena.
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