Business Negotiation Interpretation: What You Need to Know

Consecutive vs Simultaneous: What to Choose

Two formats of interpretation are used in business negotiations, and the choice between them determines the budget, logistics, and event scenario.

Consecutive interpretation — the interpreter listens to a speech segment (30–90 seconds), then reproduces it in the target language. Suitable for negotiations with 2–6 participants, business dinners, factory visits. Cost — from 5,000 ₽/hour. Main drawback: the meeting takes 1.5–2 times longer since each statement is delivered twice.

Simultaneous interpretation — the interpreter works in real-time, with a 2–3 second delay. Requires equipment: booth, console, headphones for listeners. Suitable for conferences, multilateral negotiations, presentations. Cost — from 9,000 ₽/hour, plus equipment rental from 25,000 ₽ per event. Simultaneous interpreters work in pairs, alternating every 20–30 minutes.

How to Prepare the Interpreter for the Meeting

Interpretation quality depends 60% on preparation. We've interpreted negotiations for major manufacturing companies, IT startups, and law firms — and every time we ask the client to provide:

• Meeting agenda — topics, discussion order, participant names with positions
• Subject documentation — commercial proposals, technical specifications, presentations
• Glossary — specific terms, product names, abbreviations
• Context — relationship history with the partner, negotiation goals, sensitive topics

Ideally, the interpreter receives materials 2–3 business days before the meeting. We sign an NDA and guarantee confidentiality of all information received.

Industry Specialization of the Interpreter

An interpreter at negotiations is not just a linguist. They must understand the subject matter. With 50+ interpreters on staff, we select a specialist by industry:

• Oil & gas and energy — technical terms, regulations, standards
• IT and telecom — system architecture, SLA, agile terminology
• Law — contract law, corporate transactions, M&A
• Medicine and pharmaceuticals — clinical trials, GMP, drug registration
• Mechanical engineering — design documentation, tolerances, ISO standards

Equipment for Simultaneous Interpretation

For simultaneous interpretation, professional equipment is required. We provide a complete set:

• Soundproof booth (stationary or mobile)
• Interpreter console with channel switching
• Infrared receivers and headphones for participants
• Microphones and venue audio integration

For online negotiations via Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet, we use the Interprefy platform — the interpreter connects remotely, and participants select the language channel in the video conference interface.

Cost and Payment Format

Rates for business meeting interpretation:

• Consecutive interpretation — from 5,000 ₽/hour (minimum 2 hours)
• Simultaneous interpretation — from 9,000 ₽/hour per interpreter (pair — from 18,000 ₽/hour)
• Travel beyond Moscow Ring Road — +500 ₽ per 10 km
• Work on weekends and holidays — ×1.5 coefficient

We work under contract, without VAT (simplified taxation). We provide a service completion act and invoice. For regular clients — 10–15% discount on recurring orders.

Practical Tips for the Client

Several recommendations to get the most from interpretation:

1. Speak in complete phrases. Pause after every 2–3 sentences — the interpreter will convey the thought more accurately.
2. Avoid idioms and slang. Many expressions have no equivalent in other languages.
3. Warn about names and numbers. It's easier for the interpreter if they know in advance that specific figures or proper names will appear in the speech.
4. Schedule a briefing. A 15-minute meeting with the interpreter before negotiations saves an hour during them.