Choosing the right service can be confusing.
What is the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting?
Why do interpreters sit in a booth? Is it absolutely necessary?
This page will guide you through the characteristics of interpreting services.
Which type of interpreting do you need?
Simultaneous Interpreting
In simultaneous interpretation I interpret what is being said in real-time without any pause in between the person speaking and us interpreting. Simultaneous translation requires an expert interpreter who can carry out the interpretation without a pause and that is where my expertise is vital. This type of translation is suitable for a variety of needs including educational requirements, live TV or radio, conventions, conferences or large scale meetings where there is lots of information to be shared.
What equipment do interpreters need: a simultanous interpreting booth, consoles with microphones, signal transmitters, headphones.
What else do interpreters need: direct line of sight on the speaker(s) (or remote view via monitor installed in the booth) and hearing the speaker.
Number of required interpreters: up to 30 minutes: 1 | over 30 minutes and up to 8 hours (including 1 hour break): at least 2.
Consecutive interpreting
Consecutive means ‘coming after’ so in this sort of interpretation, the speaker and the interpreter take turns. The speaker speaks, the interpreter interprets and then the speaker speaks again. I have extensive experience of providing consecutive interpreting services and this type of interpretation is most commonly used for one to one or small group meetings, or interviews.
Suggested for: conferences with a large audience, or for speeches that last 30-45 minutes or so.
What equipment do interpreters need: a microphone with a support, preferably a stick if the interpreter is standing. Interpreters use both hands during consecutive, so they cannot hold a microphone in their hands.
What else do interpreters need: be as close as possible to the speaker.
Do not underestimate: TIME. The speech time will be two thirds longer when consecutive is used. As a rule of thumb, if the speaker is allotted 30 minutes in total, the interpreter will require 20 for translation, so the speech will last 50 minutes and not 30. Check your planning…
Remote Interpretation Services (RIS)
Always keen to keep up to speed with all the technological developments in the field of interpreting, I have widened my service offering to include this new technology, the use of which is becoming increasingly widespread. As using RSI reduces costs, more businesses can now afford to allow communication in different languages at events – however big or small – rather than request that everyone speaks he same language.
Although there is less direct human interaction, in my experience I’ve been able to inject just as much warmth in my delivery, while also avoiding distractions and remaining consistently focused, thus keeping a firm handle on proceedings.
RSI means that I can bring you my expertise wherever you are in the world; you’ll find me just as approachable, tuned into the nuances of the language and accurate as if I were there in person.
Liaison - B2B Interpreting
Liaison Interpreting is often used in official meetings or business meetings, and every time when there is a 1 to 1 relationship. Think of two Ministers, or businessmen: that’s the perfect setting.
Number of Interpreters: up to two hours (with a 30′ break): 1 | more than 2 hours and up to 8 (with 1 hour break): at least 2.
Audience: 1 or 2 per side.
Suggested for: bilateral meetings, business-to-business and business-to-consumer meetings, one-to-one training.
How it happens: interpreters translate what one speaker says to the other and viceversa.
What do interpreters need: be as close as possible to the speakers.
Whispered Translation or Chuchotage
Whispered interpreting, sometimes called Chuchotage after the French for ‘whispering’, is normally used for one or two listeners.
The interpreter translates what is being said simultaneously in a whisper, so as not to hinder the conference or meeting.
Number of interpreters: up to 30 minutes: 1 | over 30 minutes and up to 8 hours (with 1 hour break): at least 2.
Audience: 1 or 2.
Suggested for: bilateral meetings, talk shows, press conferences (together with consecutive) and in all cases when the interpreter’s presence is not a problem.
What happens: interpreters whisper translations directly to the client’s ears.
What do interpreters need: be as close as possible to listeners and speakers.