“We need an interpreter for Thursday.” That’s often how a request begins. My first question is always the same: for what kind of event? Because there isn’t just one way to interpret, but several. Each has its strengths, its constraints and its budget. Here’s how to see things clearly.
Simultaneous interpreting
The interpreter, seated in a soundproof booth, translates in real time what she hears in her headphones. Participants listen through receivers. The speech isn’t slowed down: this is the mode for conferences, congresses and large multilingual meetings.
- Strengths: no time lost, several languages possible in parallel, comfortable listening.
- Constraints: equipment (booths, consoles, receivers) and a team of two interpreters per language, taking turns roughly every 30 minutes.
Consecutive interpreting
The speaker talks for a few minutes, then stops. The interpreter, who has taken notes using a specific technique, then renders the speech in the other language. This is the mode for formal speeches, interviews and small meetings.
- Strengths: no equipment, great precision, direct contact between the interpreter and the participants.
- Constraints: the meeting takes almost twice as long. Not well suited to more than two languages or to long sessions.
Whispered interpreting
The interpreter sits next to one or two people and whispers the translation to them simultaneously. It’s a practical solution for a small number of listeners within a group speaking another language.
- Strengths: no equipment, great flexibility.
- Constraints: limited to about two people, tiring for the interpreter and sometimes disturbing for those nearby. Best kept for short interventions.
The portable system, or “bidule”
A variant of simultaneous without a booth: the interpreter speaks into a transmitter microphone and participants listen with receivers. Ideal for factory visits, training in workshops or group tours.
Remote interpreting
Since the pandemic, interpreting via online platforms has become widespread. The interpreter works from a studio or an equipped hub, in simultaneous or consecutive. It suits video-conference meetings and hybrid events, provided the sound quality is looked after, for listeners and interpreter alike.
Summary table
| Mode | Ideal for | Equipment | Interpreters | Impact on duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous | Conferences, congresses, long meetings | Booths, consoles, receivers | 2 per language | None |
| Consecutive | Speeches, interviews, small meetings | None | 1 (2 for long sessions) | Almost doubled |
| Whispered | 1 or 2 listeners, short interventions | None | 1 or 2 | None |
| Portable system | Visits, workshops, mobile groups | Transmitter, receivers | 1 or 2 | None |
| Remote | Video conferences, hybrid events | Platform, good microphone | 2 per language in simultaneous | None |
The right questions to ask
Before contacting me, think about these five points: How many participants? How many languages? How long? In person, remote or hybrid? Are there trips, visits or workshops? With these answers, I can recommend the most suitable mode, and save you from paying for equipment you don’t need.
Not sure which mode to choose? Describe your event in a few lines: I’ll reply with a recommendation and a quote.
