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Want to understand what makes one speech translation solution better than another? Consider the words ‘except’ and ‘accept.’ Though only a couple of letters apart, their meanings are entirely different. ‘Accept’ means to receive or agree to something. ‘Except’ means to exclude something.

But what happens when a speaker sounds like they’re saying ‘except’ when they mean to say ‘accept?’ Here, a professional interpreter will use context clues, training, and experience to provide an accurate translation. This precision is key, as even the smallest translation changes can lead to miscommunication. 

With so many cost-effective AI tools on the market, you may be wondering if AI tools are precise enough to pick up on the differences between ‘except’ and ‘accept’ — even when the speaker is mumbling or has a strong accent. The answer is complex.

This article explores the current capabilities of AI. By the end, you should be able to make an informed decision on whether AI speech translation is right for your meetings and events. We also share the factors you should consider to find accurate and precise AI tools.

In a rush? Side-by-side interpreters and AI speech translation usage infographic at the bottom of this article.

This article was first published at Enterprise Times

Are communication barriers hindering the success of your business? If so, you’re not alone. Many international finance corporations are in the same boat. These organisations face the challenge of crucial information being lost in translation, mainly due to the different linguistic backgrounds of their team members.

For many businesses, expanding into new markets is the key to growth. However, as you move into other regions, partner with suppliers, and draw from the global talent pool, language barriers will undoubtedly emerge. Language issues remain a persistent problem for many organisations. As a Forbes Insights and Rosetta Stone Business report reveals, more than 100 executives at large US businesses find that language barriers have a “significant impact” on business operations. 

Language barriers can be a significant obstacle when it comes to effective communication. Booking interpretation services can be a valuable investment to overcome these barriers and facilitate seamless communication. However, their cost can sometimes be a deterrent, that's why we've compiled six practical tips to help you save money when booking interpretation services, without compromising on quality or accuracy.

Implementing these strategies can help you maximise your interpretation budget and make the most of your investment. Let's dive into them so you can save costs while ensuring high-quality interpretation.