Practical guide for speakers with simultaneous interpretation

Speakers at international medical conferences know little about simultaneous interpreting, although it is essential for a correct transmission of the information presented at these events. As interpreters work on the basis of the speech that is given, the quality of the interpreted message depends to a large extent on the quality and suitability of said speech. However, quality evaluation of medical interpretation only focuses on what interpreters produce, neither considering how the original speech is given, nor the possibility of adapting it to improve interpretation without compromising its content.

This guide was created with the aim of promoting collaboration between speakers and interpreters to guarantee the seamless transmission of the message, encourage the use of interpreting in conferences and talks, and boost the confidence of professionals from all fields in hiring qualified interpreters in order to take advantage of them to correctly disseminate academic, scientific, technical and humanistic work in other languages ​​and countries.

The Practical Guide for Speakers with Simultaneous Interpretation has been prepared by the translators and interpreters Nadia Martín Sánchez and Icíar Pertusa Elorriaga with the collaboration of the Dr. Antoni Esteve Foundation. It offers a series of useful tips to ensure the correct transmission of the scientific message, such as providing all the material to the interpreter in advance and establishing a collaboration with these professionals. It also provides recommendations for addressing the public in the most effective way possible, while facilitating simultaneous translation.

The guide also has a specific section for virtual congresses, which are increasingly prevalent after the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors offer a series of practical tips to try to achieve optimal sound quality for all participants and to get the most out of this type of meeting.

The document vindicates the work of professional interpreters, trained in a wide variety of subjects and who normally have specialized disciplines. In addition, they are prepared to adapt to the unforeseen events that may arise when faced with a talk that they are hearing for the first time and they have a multitude of resources. The authors of this guide recommend working closely with them to make their work easier.