How to Host a Video Meeting with an Interpreter Using Zoom
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many traditionally in-person meetings had to make their way online. While many companies and people were familiar with how to use an interpreter during those gatherings, not all knew how to take that experience into the digital world. Luckily, it’s much easier than you think.
Using an interpreter during a video meeting on Zoom can be incredibly beneficial. After all, at least 350 language groups are represented in the United States alone. By using an interpreter, you can accommodate a wider range of listeners. You’re providing reliable language support to participants, ensuring that all involved parties can understand what’s being shared.
If you are wondering how you can host a video meeting with an interpreter on Zoom, here’s what you need to know.
What Are the Language Interpretation Services Through Zoom?
With Zoom, hosts have the ability to create separate audio channels focused on different languages. Each interpreter is assigned to their own channel. Once there, they can hear the main meeting audio and then interpret it into this separate channel.
The main benefit of the approach is that participants don’t get crossover from multiple languages. For example, if there are Spanish, French, and German interpreters, each of those language feeds is separated into a unique audio channel, ensuring that they aren’t overlapping in a single channel. Participants won’t have to strain to hear their preferred language, as it will take center stage in the designated audio feed.
Within a language interpretation audio channel, the main meeting audio does play quietly in the background. However, participants do have the ability to mute that audio, leaving only their preferred language in place.
When participants speak, their audio goes into the main audio channel. It can then be heard by any other feed, including the one with their interpreter. Interpreters mainly speak in their designated channel but can switch to the main audio feed, too, allowing them to translate for participants as needed.
How to Host a Video Meeting with an Interpreter Using Zoom
1. Schedule the Interpreter
Generally, the first step you need to take is to schedule an interpreter to attend your meeting. Precisely how you need to do that may depend on the topic or purpose of the meeting your hosting. For example, there are often strict guidelines and protocols for securing a court interpreter that you may not encounter if you’re gathering isn’t court-related.
2. Confirm Your Technology
Zoom does have some technical requirements you’ll need to address. All participants – including the host and interpreter – need to download the latest version of the software. Typically, hosts and interpreters should use computers to connect through Zoom. Other participants may be able to use mobile devices instead.
The host will need an account that provides automatically generated meeting IDs. Those are crucial for accessing the language service options through Zoom.
Additionally, you need access to broadband internet, as well as a compatible webcam, microphone, and speakers. Usually, a headset with built-in audio capabilities and a microphone is best for anyone who may be speaking as they improve clarity.
3. Setup Language Interpretation Options
To create separate audio channels for the interpreters, you’ll need to log into the Zoom web portal and head to Settings. There, look for the In Meeting (Advanced) section, then click the toggle for Language Interpretation to turn the option on.
Once you do that, you’ll get a list of nine default language options. If you need something other than what’s listed, click the plus sign (+) and add the ones you’re missing.
4. Add the Language Interpreters
After enabling the language interpretation services, you need to add the interpreters to the meeting. Click on Meetings, then on Schedule a Meeting. After that, look near the Meeting ID label and choose Generate Automatically.
Next, go to Interpretation and click the checkbox for Enable Language Interpretation. Add the details for your interpreters (usually the email address associated with their Zoom account), selecting the appropriate language as you do. Then, click Save.
5. Launch the Meeting with Language Services
When your meeting time arrives, sign into Zoom on your computer. Launch the meeting, then click the Interpretation option found in the meeting controls area. Add the interpreters who will be participating and, when you click Start, you officially create the separate audio channel for that language.
After that, when the interpreter logs in, they’ll see their language assignment and then get sent to the proper audio channel. However, they also have the ability to broadcast into the main audio feed. That way, if a participant’s contribution needs translation, they can handle that, as well.
For other participants who need language services, they can head to the Interpretation option in meeting controls and choose the associated audio channel. They can choose to mute the original audio or leave it faintly in the background.
Looking for an Interpreter?
If you need a Zoom interpreter, Acutrans can help. Contact us for a free quote today. Acutrans provides certified interpretation services, and notarized translations within 24 hours. Whether you need support during an immigration hearing, assistance during a remote medical appointment, help translating documents, or any other kind of language services, the Acutrans team is here for you.