Zoom provides a seamless experience for simultaneous interpretation of meetings and webinars. Instructions on how to set up, start, and conduct a multilingual meeting follow. If you have any questions or trouble with your set up, email your Alboum account manager.
Check Your Zoom Account Settings
- Sign in to Zoom through the web portal (https://zoom.us). In the top left corner, click on Settings, then select In Meeting (Advanced). This must be done through the website, not the desktop app.
2. Scroll down until you see Language Interpretation and confirm the option is If you don’t see the Language Interpretation option, you will not be able to host a multilingual meeting. Contact your organization’s Zoom manager to purchase the service.
Check that the language you need is listed. If the language you need does not appear in the list, click on the “+” and add it manually.
Set Up Your Meeting & Invite Interpreters
Set Up Your Meeting & Invite InterpretersIt is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure interpretation features are available and function properly. The interpretation function will not work when personal meeting rooms are used to generate the Meeting ID. Interpretation also cannot be turned on after a meeting has been started.
- Set up your Zoom Ensure the following options are selected/deselected:
a. Meeting ID: Choose Generate The interpretation feature does not work with Personal Meeting.
b. Approve or block entry for users from specific countries/regions: Do NOT select Alboum’s interpreters and account managers are located worldwide, and this will prevent them from joining.
c. Interpretation: Select Enable language
Here, add the interpreter’s email provided to you by Alboum Translation Services. Then add the appropriate language combination in the new field that appears below.
Click Add Interpreter as necessary to add all interpreters for the meeting.
3. Click Save when you are finished.
Assigning Interpreters to the Channels
(Must be done by the meeting host.)
- Start the You may have to admit the interpreters from the waiting room.
- Click the globe icon labeled Interpretation on the bottom-right of the Zoom toolbar. You may also find it by clicking on the More button (the three dots). Type the name of your interpreter (it will auto-fill) or use the drop-down to find your interpreter from all participants present.
If you see asterisks in the name field, delete them and type the name of the interpreter. Click + Add Interpreter to add additional interpreters and their language combination.
- Click The interpreters will be sent to the corresponding language channel. You will no longer hear them on the main channel.
Click The interpreters will be sent to the corresponding language channel. You will no longer hear them on the main channel.All meeting attendees (hosts, presenters, attendees) must choose their preferred language to listen to by clicking on the globe.
Follow Best Practices for Simultaneous Interpretation
- Include a slide at the beginning of the presentation with instructions for how to access language channels. Translated versions of suggested text to include can be found here.
- Eliminate background noise and If possible, speakers should present indoors, in a room with closed doors and windows to avoid extraneous noise.
- Avoid moving the microphone during the presentation.
- Mute the microphone when not speaking.
- Don’t speak too Simultaneous interpreters listen and speak at the same time so a consistent, steady rate is essential for them to keep up.
