It may seem that for an interpreter, it doesn’t matter where to work — as long as they know the language. But that’s not the case.
Online vs. offline interpreting — what’s the difference? Here’s what actually differs depending on the format:
Offline
A soundproof booth, live audio with no delay, and direct contact with the audience. The interpreter can see the speaker’s facial expressions and gestures — a huge advantage in the process. Mistakes are usually semantic: an incorrect term or a missed nuance in tone.
Online
The internet connection, Zoom, and unexpected technical issues become part of the equation. Audio delays, echo, frozen video — and suddenly up to 50% of nonverbal communication is lost. In addition to semantic errors, technical issues appear as well: overlapping voices, missed sentence openings, connection drops.
At the same time, the cognitive load is higher — there is less live feedback and much more monotonous screen focus.
What does this mean in practice?
Online interpreting is not “the same thing, just on a screen”. It is another format with different requirements: pre-event equipment testing, backup connections, and specific techniques for working with speaker pauses.
A professional simultaneous interpreter prepares for both formats and knows how to work effectively in each one.
Do you need interpreting services?
Linguista provides professional interpreting in any format: conferences, negotiations, and webinars. Experienced simultaneous interpreters, reliable equipment, and full technical support — everything you need to ensure your event runs smoothly.
Contact us — we’ll find the right solution for your needs!
