RSI and RCI for in-person, remote, and hybrid events
Do you need to organize a multilingual remote meeting with RSI (Remote Simultaneous Interpretation) or RCI (Remote Consecutive Interpretation)?
Paola de Rosa will assist you every step of the way: from choosing the platform to coordinating the interpreters.
🎧 What is RSI?
Simultaneous interpretation provided remotely: interpreters work in “virtual booths,” listen to the speaker, and translate in real time on dedicated audio channels. Ideal for webinars, digital or hybrid conferences, product launches, corporate town halls, and training.
🗣️ What is RCI
Remote consecutive interpreting (RCI) is the translation of a speech after the speaker has finished, carried out by an interpreter who is not physically present but connected via a videoconferencing platform. Unlike simultaneous interpretation, it does not require specialized platforms but can be carried out on common tools such as Zoom or Teams, and the interpreter uses special notes to translate by sections. This mode is suitable for meetings, negotiations, or presentations where the cost of simultaneous interpretation is not justified.
How it works
- Listening and note-taking: The interpreter listens to the speaker and takes notes using a special notation technique that includes symbols and abbreviations.
- Subsequent translation: At the end of a unit of speech (often 5-10 minutes), the interpreter translates the content into the required language, based on the notes taken.
- Use of platforms: Standard videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom, Teams, Skype, or Webex are used, unlike RSI (Remote Simultaneous Interpreting), which often requires dedicated software.
- Duration: The overall event lasts about twice as long as an event using simultaneous interpretation, as there is an alternation between speaking and translating.
Requirements
- Connection: The interpreter needs a good internet connection (ethernet is preferred and a second internet provider at home plus a modem equipped with a failover system that allows a 5G data connection to activate automatically for extra safety in case of internet national failure and power bands to ensure recharge of the cp in case of energy failure if forced to worke with 5G) I have set up the apartment where I work from remote with all the listed tech tools in order to minimize disruption of a remote interpreting assignment.
- A quiet environment is crucial for remote interpretation.
- Equipment: Professional headphones and microphone.
- Platform: A standard videoconferencing system (Zoom, Webex, Teams) or dedicated interpreting platforms (Interprefy, Ablio, Interactio, The Speech)
Advantages
- Flexibility: Allows interpreting to be carried out remotely, without the need for the interpreter to travel.
- Costs: It is a more economical solution ai it cuts travel and accommodation costs
🧭 Possible options
- On-site with remote support: speakers and audience in the room, interpreters connected remotely.
- Fully online: everyone remote, with direction and interpreting on the platform.
- Hybrid: part in person and part online, with synchronized multilingual audio channels.
🛠️ How I work
- Objectives: languages, agenda, speakers, terminology.
- Team & glossaries: selection of specialized interpreters and preparation of sector-specific vocabulary.
- Recommended platform choice: based on capacity, interaction, and required integrations.
- Rehearsal: speaker/interpreter testing, microphones, audio quality, and visibility of speakers and slides.
🧩 Supported platforms
Paola de Rosa is certified and experienced in professional solutions:
- The Speech: environment dedicated to multilingual events
- Ablio: certified interpreter
- Interactio: multiple audio channels and virtual booth
- WebEx: for meetings
- Zoom: Interpretation function with dedicated audio routing.
- Microsoft Teams: for meetings
🔧 Recommended technical requirements
- Wired connection ≥ 50 Mbps and 4G/5G backup.
- Professional microphone and headphones, quiet environment.
- Updated browser/official platform client.
- Technical direction for events with multiple languages or parallel rooms.
🎓 Areas of specialization
Life sciences • Medical and pharmaceutical (Audit-AIFA, EMA, FDA) • Fashion & luxury • Institutional • Education & training • Energy & sustainability • Tourism & culture • Oil & gas • Corporate business
Questions and answers about remote simultaneous interpreting
What is remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI)?
RSI allows professional interpreters to work from anywhere, simultaneously translating the speaker’s words via digital platforms — without the need for physical booths.
What platforms do you use for this service?
We use professional systems such as The Speech, Ablio, Interactio, Interprefy, WebEx, Zoom, and Teams, ensuring compatibility and flexibility according to your needs.
What are the main advantages over in-person interpreting?
- Global accessibility: interpreters can work from anywhere in the world
- Cost reduction: no travel, food, or accommodation expenses.
- Greater flexibility: ideal for online and hybrid events, can also be activated outside normal working hours regardless of the time zone of the different countries involved.
- Simplified logistics: no booths, just a stable connection and good audio.
What is "relay" in remote assistance?
Relay is a mode of interpreting in which one interpreter uses another interpreter’s translation as a support language. This occurs when not all interpreters are directly familiar with the speaker’s language, so one of them provides an initial translation (pivot language) and the others use it to translate into their respective target languages.
Are there any technical limitations to consider?
RSI requires: a stable internet connection, high-quality audio equipment, no ambient noise, and sometimes remote technical support to manage any interruptions.
How are audio quality and the absence of latency guaranteed?
- Professional configurations are used (e.g., wired Ethernet connection or wireless backup and USB/professional microphones).
- A technical briefing and pre-event test with the team is scheduled to ensure that the audio and microphones of interpreters and speakers are working properly.
Is it necessary to have more interpreters?
Yes: at RSI, the work is intense for interpreters, who alternate every 20–30 minutes for each language pair to ensure concentration and consistent quality. For events lasting less than one hour, it is possible, at the interpreter’s discretion, to use a single professional.
Is the interactive experience the same as in person?
Interaction remains fluid but may be affected by physical distance: for events with strong personal involvement, we evaluate hybrid solutions, combining RSI and onsite
How much does an RSI service cost compared to a traditional one?
It is generally more economical for the organization, as it reduces logistics and travel costs. However, the service maintains high professional standards and may include equipment and the involvement of a technical team.
In what contexts is RSI most effective?
RSI is perfect for webinars, conferences, hybrid events, professional meetings, product launches, international negotiations, and multilingual courses.
How do I book RSI?
Contact me with the following information: date, duration, languages, number of participants, preferred platform. I will send you a complete quote.