How Many Interpreters Does Your Event Really Need? ZED Localization's Expert Guide
The One-Interpreter Misconception:
"Can we just use one interpreter for our entire event to save costs and maintain consistency?"
It's a question we hear frequently, and while it might seem logical at first glance, professional simultaneous interpretation places significant cognitive demands on interpreters. Depending on your event type and duration, multiple interpreters aren't an optional luxury or a sales tactic — they're essential for success.
Why Two Interpreters Are the Professional Standard
In interpretation services, redundancy isn't wasteful — it's critical. Similar to essential systems in healthcare or aviation, you wouldn't want a single surgeon handling a complex operation or one pilot flying your commercial flight. The same principle applies to interpretation services.
Consider this perspective: A professional interpreter typically processes approximately 150 words per minute. That translates to 4,500 words (equivalent to 18 pages of text) received, processed, translated, and delivered flawlessly in just 30 minutes of simultaneous interpretation. This represents an enormous cognitive workload.
To maintain consistent quality, accuracy, and protocol adherence, interpreters work in pairs, alternating every 20-30 minutes. This teamwork approach allows one interpreter to actively interpret while their colleague handles supporting tasks such as note-taking and terminology research.
When Multiple Interpreters Become Essential
To help clarify your staffing needs, here are common scenarios:
Simultaneous Interpretation for Events
- Short presentations (under 30 minutes): One interpreter may be sufficient
- Half-day or full-day conferences: Two interpreters are non-negotiable for quality assurance
Accompanied Interpretation (Business Meetings, Tours, Exhibitions)
- The appropriate staffing depends on your schedule
- Brief, isolated meetings might only require one interpreter
- Full-day engagement requires two interpreters to prevent mental fatigue and ensure accuracy
The Hidden Costs of Interpreter Understaffing
While hiring two interpreters might initially seem like an additional expense, it's actually a strategic investment. Interpreter fatigue leads to miscommunication, which can have serious consequences in business or diplomatic settings. This is why leading global organizations like the UN, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund always prioritize appropriate staffing levels for interpretation services.
The International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) emphasizes the importance of adequate staffing in their professional standards. Their agreements only permit exceptions for single interpreters in rare, half-day scenarios — and these exceptions require premium compensation due to the work's intensity.
Professional Standards for Your Event Success
If you've previously worked with only one interpreter for full-day events, you likely weren't partnered with a professional language services provider. No qualified interpreter would agree to work under suboptimal conditions, and no reputable provider would recommend it.
At ZED Localization, we view interpretation as a critical component of your event's success. Our priority is ensuring clear, accurate communication across all settings, from multinational conferences to intimate business meetings. Partnering with experienced professionals and adhering to industry standards isn't just about protecting your investment — it's about maximizing your event's effectiveness.
When planning your next event requiring interpretation services, consider this: Is the risk of miscommunication worth the modest savings of hiring one fewer interpreter? For us, the answer is clear: investing in the right number of interpreters isn't an extra expense — it's the foundation for effective communication and a solid insurance policy against costly miscommunication.