Hiring an interpreter can make or break international business deals, legal proceedings, medical consultations, and diplomatic meetings. Unfortunately, many clients—especially first-time users of interpreting services—make avoidable errors that lead to miscommunication, delays, or even legal risks.
In this article, we’ll highlight the most frequent mistakes when booking an interpreter in Moscow and provide actionable tips to ensure a smooth, professional experience.
1. Assuming Any Bilingual Person Can Interpret
Mistake: Thinking that a colleague, friend, or staff member who speaks the language can serve as an interpreter.
Why It’s a Problem: Professional interpreting requires specialized skills—terminology mastery, quick thinking, neutrality, and adherence to ethics. Untrained individuals may omit critical details, misinterpret nuances, or violate confidentiality.
✅ Solution: Always hire a certified interpreter with subject-matter expertise (legal, medical, technical, etc.).
2. Not Clarifying the Interpretation Mode
Mistake: Failing to specify whether you need simultaneous, consecutive, or whispered interpretation.
Why It’s a Problem: Different scenarios require different techniques. A conference interpreter may struggle in a courtroom, and vice versa.
✅ Solution:
- Consecutive: Best for negotiations, small meetings (speaker pauses for translation).
- Simultaneous: Essential for conferences, large events (real-time translation via equipment).
- Whispered (chuchotage): Used when only one or two people need interpreting.
3. Ignoring Industry-Specific Knowledge
Mistake: Booking a general interpreter for specialized fields like law, medicine, or engineering.
Why It’s a Problem: Without domain expertise, the interpreter may miscommunicate critical terms (e.g., confusing “liability” in legal contexts or “dosage” in medicine).
✅ Solution: Always verify the interpreter’s experience in your industry and provide a glossary of key terms in advance.
4. Last-Minute Bookings
Mistake: Contacting an interpreter a day before the event.
Why It’s a Problem: Top professionals are booked weeks or months in advance. Last-minute hires may lack qualifications or charge premium rates.
✅ Solution: Plan ahead—secure an interpreter at least 2–4 weeks early, especially for rare languages.
5. Overlooking Technical Requirements
Mistake: Forgetting to arrange equipment for simultaneous interpreting (headsets, booths, microphones).
Why It’s a Problem: Poor audio quality ruins the session, and interpreters can’t work effectively without proper tools.
✅ Solution:
- For conferences, rent equipment from the agency.
- For remote meetings, test Zoom/Teams interpretation features beforehand.
6. Not Checking Credentials or References
Mistake: Hiring based solely on price or a quick online search.
Why It’s a Problem: Unqualified interpreters may lack certification, experience, or professionalism.
✅ Solution:
- Ask for certifications (e.g., ATA, CIOL, court-approved credentials).
- Request client references or sample recordings (if confidentiality allows).
7. Skipping the Briefing
Mistake: Assuming the interpreter doesn’t need context.
Why It’s a Problem: Without background, the interpreter may miss nuances or key terminology.
✅ Solution: Brief the interpreter beforehand on:
- The purpose of the meeting.
- Cultural sensitivities.
- Names of participants and technical terms.
8. Ignoring Time Zone Differences (For Remote Interpreting)
Mistake: Booking a remote interpreter without confirming their availability in your time zone.
Why It’s a Problem: Fatigue or scheduling conflicts can reduce accuracy.
✅ Solution: Clarify time zones and working hours when booking.
9. Micromanaging the Interpreter
Mistake: Interrupting, speaking too fast, or asking the interpreter to summarize.
Why It’s a Problem: It disrupts flow and can lead to omissions or errors.
✅ Solution: Trust the interpreter’s expertise—speak naturally, pause when needed, and avoid side conversations.
10. Not Planning for Breaks
Mistake: Expecting an interpreter to work nonstop for hours.
Why It’s a Problem: Mental fatigue reduces accuracy, especially in simultaneous interpreting.
✅ Solution: Schedule 15-minute breaks every 1.5–2 hours for long sessions.
Final Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
✔ Use a reputable agency for vetted professionals.
✔ Confirm cancellation policies in case plans change.
✔ Provide materials in advance (presentations, scripts, legal documents).
Conclusion
Booking an interpreter seems simple, but small oversights can lead to major communication failures. By avoiding these common mistakes—hiring unqualified individuals, neglecting technical needs, or skipping briefings—you’ll ensure clear, accurate, and professional interpreting services.
Need a reliable interpreter in Moscow? Choose certified professionals with proven expertise in your field.