Simultaneous Interpretation by Platform (RSI)

How RSI works, step by step

In remote simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter does not need to be in the same place as the participants. They join the meeting as a designated participant and, from a remote booth, hear the speaker through the platform's audio and speak on another audio channel, the interpretation channel. Each participant chooses, in their own app, whether to hear the original audio or the interpretation in another language.

The flow has five steps. First, the organizer provides the date, languages and platform, and lingo confirms the interpreter. Second, the host enables the interpretation function in the meeting and assigns the interpreter. Third, lingo tests the channel with the host about 30 minutes before the start. Fourth, during the event, the interpreter works in shifts, supported by the colleague. Fifth, at the end, lingo closes the channel and, if agreed, supports the sending of materials.

This format eliminates physical equipment, freight and travel, and makes it possible to serve participants anywhere in Brazil and the world. In return, it depends on the quality of the connection and the audio of the person speaking, which makes technical preparation even more relevant.

Zoom, Teams, Meet and Webex: what changes in practice

On Zoom, the interpretation function is native and the most used at bilingual corporate events: the host creates the language channels, assigns the interpreters and participants select the language with a few clicks. It is the most mature implementation, and the one lingo recommends when the client has no platform preference.

On Microsoft Teams, the interpretation function is available on specific plans and integrates with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It is a good choice for organizations that already use Teams day to day and do not want to introduce another application. For events with many simultaneous languages, lingo assesses whether the platform's limitation calls for a complementary solution.

On Google Meet, interpretation works with a separate channel, and setup requires additional planning. On Webex, interpretation is native, with an interface similar to Zoom. In all cases, the quality of interpretation depends more on preparation than on the platform: with the right configuration, participants perceive an equivalent experience.

When the event uses a platform that has no native function, such as some webinar and streaming solutions, lingo develops a complementary audio solution. It is worth talking before settling on the platform, because the decision affects cost and complexity.

Best practices for the host and speakers

A few simple precautions greatly improve the experience. The host should enable the interpretation function before the start and confirm the language of each channel. Speakers should use a headset with a microphone, in a quiet environment, preferably with a wired internet connection. Speaking at a moderate pace, avoiding overlapping voices and sending material in advance are habits that reduce errors.

It also helps to define who moderates the questions. When there is a chat, the moderator can read the questions in the event language for the interpreter. When there are live questions, each participant should turn on their microphone, identify themselves and wait their turn.

Participants should receive, before the meeting, a short instruction on how to select the language on the platform. Zoom and Teams work in the browser in limited mode, but the experience is better with the app installed, and prior guidance prevents the first half hour from being spent on technical questions.

Recording, security and confidentiality

If the meeting is recorded, it is worth agreeing whether the recording will include the interpretation channel. Some platforms record only the original audio, and the interpretation channel needs to be recorded separately. This avoids rework and makes it possible to deliver a version in each language after the event.

At meetings with sensitive information, such as boards, due diligence and earnings presentations, lingo's work is covered by an NDA valid for 5 years. The recommendation is to use corporate platform accounts, with a waiting room, password and control over who joins, and to restrict the participant list to what is necessary.

RSI, in-person or hybrid: how to choose

RSI is the best choice when participants are spread out, the event is short or the budget calls for simplicity. In-person with UHF is indicated when most people are in the same room and the event is long or formal. Hybrid combines the two, with receivers for those in the room and a language channel on the platform for those connected, served by the same interpreter.

For events with fewer than 10 people, RSI is usually more efficient in cost and logistics. lingo advises on which format makes more sense before closing the quote, which comes out in 60 seconds.

Technical test before the event

For more important events, lingo recommends a technical test the day before or the morning of the event, with the host, the interpreter and, if possible, a speaker. The test covers the input audio, the interpretation channel, the handover between interpreters and the flow of questions. When the event is recurring, the test can be shorter, because the setup has already been validated.

On the day of the event, the channel is checked again with the host about 30 minutes before opening. If there is any audio, permission or connection problem, there is still time to fix it without affecting participants. It is a simple routine that avoids most mishaps.

When the platform is already defined by the client

Many companies have a standard corporate platform and security restrictions that prevent the use of others. In that case, lingo adapts: the interpretation function is configured on the platform the client already uses, and the interpreter joins with the account or invitation that IT authorizes. In cases where the platform does not offer the interpretation function, a complementary audio solution can be agreed with the IT team.

What matters is that the organizer tells lingo about the platform, the plan contracted and any security restrictions right in the quote request. With that information, the setup is planned from the start, rather than fixed the day before.