The 30 second story
You know how you can already translate text by copying and pasting into DeepL? Now DeepL wants to do the same thing with your voice during phone calls and video meetings. The German translation company has launched voice translation technology that works with popular meeting platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, letting people speak in their native language whilst others hear it translated in real time.
Why it matters
International calls become much less stressful when language barriers disappear. UK businesses dealing with European suppliers, overseas clients, or remote workers who speak different languages spend huge amounts on interpreters or simply avoid certain opportunities because communication feels too risky. Voice translation that works directly inside the meeting tools you already use removes that friction entirely. Instead of hiring translators or hoping everyone speaks adequate English, you can have natural conversations where each person speaks their native language and everyone understands each other. The automation here is significant because the translation happens live, without stopping the conversation or switching between different apps.
Be transparent about it
Tell meeting participants that voice translation is running before you start the call. Explain that their words are being processed to create translations for other attendees, and offer to share any transcripts or recordings that get created. Being upfront about translation technology builds trust and shows you respect everyone’s privacy. Recording or processing speech without clear consent can breach UK data protection rules, so transparency protects both relationships and compliance.
What this means for your business
- International partnerships become easier to manage when language stops being a barrier to regular communication
- Training sessions and team meetings can include overseas staff without requiring everyone to use their second language
- Sales calls with foreign prospects feel more natural when both sides can speak comfortably
- The cost of professional interpreters becomes optional rather than essential for important international discussions