
Conference interpreters are usually contracted by the day (up to 6 hours). The Brazilian Translator’s and Interpreter´s Union provides general good practices and rates on their website (click here -
SINTRA). If the event lasts more than 6 hours, overtime fees are due.
Because of
great concentration required at all times, interpreters work in teams of two or
more per language pair.
Interpreters
fees include preparation time, as well as taxes and social security contributions
for the profession. The fees cover the duration of the event (even when they
are on standby) as they cannot accept alternative work for the period.

It is important
to provide the interpreters with relevant documents as early as possible. In
addition to the meeting agenda and any written speeches, interpreters welcome curricula
vitae of key speakers, the names of the officers of the Organisation with their
respective titles, minutes of previous meetings on the same or similar subjects,
as well as any other useful background information. If documents are to be circulated
during a meeting, it is recommended that interpreters receive a copy beforehand.

Good sound
quality in venues is essential in simultaneous interpretation. Poor sound
causes unnecessary stress and fatigue, both to participants and to interpreters.
Good sound depends on many factors, such as: proper sound equipment; good
dedicated conference microphones; good quality, lightweight earphones; adequate
room acoustics; sufficient internet speed and computer capabilities.
Acoustic
feedback and echoes in the meeting rooms may impair simultaneous interpretation, especially in virtual meetings.

Before any
technical conference, it is advisable to organise a briefing session with the interpreters
and the key speakers at the meeting and/or an expert officer of the Organisation.
Interpreters should be able to ask questions on contents, terminology and
procedures so as to have clarified any key aspect about the meeting ahead.
If slides
or transparencies are to be shown and require interpretation, interpreters
should have a clear view of the screen. Interpreters should receive a script or
a copy of the texts and pictures to be projected beforehand.
If films
are to be shown and require interpretation, interpreters should receive a copy
of the script. For the dialogues to be interpreted, the film sound-track must
be fed directly into the interpreters earphones, i.e. not through microphones
in the room.