Interpreting has always been about connecting people in the moment. Traditionally, that meant a trained interpreter listening, processing, and delivering speech in another language with just a slight delay.
Yet how we communicate and connect hasn’t remained static. We’ve moved from in-person settings, whether in conference rooms or one-to-one discussions, to remote and hybrid formats made possible by Remote Simultaneous Interpreting (RSI). With this approach, human interpreters could support everything from large events to quick meetings in real time, without needing to be on-site.
RSI opened the door to greater accessibility, but even this remote method still lacks the scalability required to meet all the needs of today’s digital reality: remote meetings, cross-country teams, and global collaboration happening daily across multiple time zones.
This is where AI Interpreting enters the picture. It’s becoming a powerful part of the multilingual toolkit; not replacing human interpreters but complementing them. AI provides the speed and scale needed for frequent, wide-reaching communication, while human interpreters provide the nuance and cultural depth required for complex or sensitive discussions. Together, they allow organisations to match the interpreting method to the moment: AI for low-stakes and controlled communication, and human expertise for conversations where precision truly matters.
Consider the multilingual demands inside global companies today. Enterprises run monthly or even weekly town halls with employees representing dozens of nationalities and native languages. Providing clear communication for everyone is essential; but doing so with multiple interpreters for every session isn’t always practical. In these scenarios, AI Interpreting offers a scalable way to foster understanding and inclusivity across the organisation.
The same applies to day-to-day collaboration. Teams work across continents, and not every conversation justifies scheduling human interpreters in advance. Yet, mutual understanding is often critical to keeping work moving.
Whether it’s a CEO broadcasting to 5,000 employees, two colleagues aligning quickly across language barriers, or a hybrid training session with attendees dialing in from multiple regions, people expect faster setup, wider coverage, and more flexibility in how they access information.
Let’s look at how AI Interpreting works and how it fits alongside traditional solutions.
How AI Interpreting works (in simple terms)
AI Interpreting delivers near-instant translation by running several steps automatically in the background. It typically involves a 2–3 second delay, similar to the natural lag of human simultaneous interpreting.
Here’s what happens:
Speech-to-text (Automatic Speech Recognition - ASR)
AI listens to the speaker and transcribes their speech in real time.
Automatic translation
The transcribed text is instantly translated into the selected target language(s).
Text-to-speech
A synthetic voice reads the translation out loud to the listener.
Output to attendees
Participants listen to the interpreted audio or read live captions/subtitles on their device.
When AI Interpreting works best
AI Interpreting excels in scenarios that are structured, clear, and predictable - especially where speed, reach, and accessibility matter. A controlled speaking environment helps the AI follow the conversation accurately; when speakers avoid overlapping speech or rapid back-and-forth interruptions, the system can process, translate, and deliver content more effectively. Just like human interpreters, AI performs best when it isn’t overloaded with competing voices or unclear audio signals.
Need examples of when AI Interpreting can be used?
Conversations where live captions add value
AI Interpreting doesn’t only support interpreted audio. The built-in speech-to-text component provides live captions, which can benefit both audio and visual learners, and support accessibility needs across your organisation.
One- or few-to-many communication, such as:
Global company town halls
All-hands meetings
Product updates and webinars
Keynotes and presentations
Hybrid or virtual training sessions
Situations requiring multilingual access across multiple regions. In these settings, AI Interpreting offers:
Flexible setup
Depending on the format and platform, AI Interpreting can be prepared well in advance, set up shortly before an event, or used on the fly for more spontaneous conversations.
High scalability across languages
AI Interpreting can support multiple floor languages within the same session and provide many more output languages for listeners. This makes it easier to include diverse teams without complex coordination.
Straightforward access. Participants can listen through:
A web browser
A mobile app
Integrations with platforms like Teams, Zoom, and Webex
This makes it simple for global teams to join from wherever they are.
While AI Interpreting is powerful, it’s not suitable for every situation; especially when content requires nuance, cultural depth, or the ability to handle complex dialogue. In these moments, human interpreters still play an essential role in ensuring meaning, intent, and context are fully conveyed.
Glossaries: the shared link between human and AI Interpreting
Both human interpreters and AI systems benefit from preparation.
With AI Interpreting, organisers can upload custom vocabulary (such as brand terminology, product names, acronyms, and speaker names) to improve accuracy and ensure clarity throughout the event.
This mirrors the briefing process used by human interpreters and creates a more consistent multilingual experience across both approaches.
How to choose the right AI Interpreting solution
Choosing an AI Interpreting provider isn’t only about features, quality, or price. The real question is whether the solution should fit into your broader multilingual strategy or whether you simply need a one-off tool for a specific moment.
Do you expect your interpreting needs to return?
Is this part of a growing multilingual presence across your organisation?
Or do you just need something simple, fast, and standalone?
Whether you need interpreting once or repeatedly — and how interconnected it should be with the rest of your language workflows — will shape the questions you should ask when selecting a solution.
To go back to basics, consider:
Do you want one cohesive partner for your multilingual communication?
Does the solution integrate smoothly with your existing systems?
How scalable is it as your needs grow?
Does your provider offer both AI and human interpreting options?
Will your language partner adapt as your organisation evolves?
Here’s what that means in practice:
1. Do you want one cohesive partner for your multilingual communication?
Many enterprises prefer to consolidate language services under one partner who can provide:
AI Interpreting
Traditional interpreting
Translation services
Copywriting and content creation
Multimedia localisation (AI Dubbing, voiceover, subtitling)
Terminology and brand language management
Technology (TMS, connectors, integrations)
Centralisation improves consistency, efficiency, and quality across the entire content lifecycle. It also ensures that your multilingual experiences feel unified — no matter which format or channel you’re working with.
2. Does the solution integrate smoothly with your systems?
Your AI Interpreting solution should work with:
Video conferencing platforms
Event and webinar tools
On-site AV setups
Hybrid meeting systems
Smooth integration removes technical friction and makes it easier for teams, presenters, and attendees to join from anywhere.
3. How scalable is it as your needs grow?
If your organisation runs recurring town halls, global onboarding, product training, or regional meetings, you need AI Interpreting that can:
Add languages quickly
Handle large audiences
Scale without complexity
Support different formats, from on-site to fully remote
Scalability ensures you can expand multilingual communication without rebuilding your setup every time.
4. Does your provider offer both AI and human interpreting options?
AI is fast and scalable.
Humans deliver nuance and depth.
The most future-proof approach is a combined model that lets you choose the right fit for each scenario; from high-stakes strategic discussions to everyday multilingual collaboration.
Learn more about our Interpreting Solutions5. Will your language partner adapt as your organisation evolves?
Your global footprint will change.
Your language needs will evolve.
Your solution should grow with you; not lock you into rigid, one-size-fits-all formats.
Choosing a flexible partner ensures you can mix, match, and scale interpreting services over time without disruption.
Next Steps: Build a multilingual strategy that grows with you
As multilingual demands accelerate across global organisations, choosing the right interpreting solution isn’t just about picking a tool: it’s about shaping a language strategy that can evolve with your business. A partner who offers both AI and human interpreting, integrates smoothly with your systems, and supports your wider content workflows will keep your teams aligned, connected, and ready for what comes next.
Whether you're exploring AI Interpreting for the first time or looking to scale multilingual communication across your organisation, we’re here to help you find the right approach. LanguageWire combines AI technology and human expertise to deliver clear, seamless communication in every setting; from everyday meetings to high-stakes events.
Ready to make your meetings truly multilingual? Let's chat about your interpreting needs.
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