Interpreting Solutions

Simultaneous translation or conference interpreting is the most demanding of all forms of interpreting, because of the speed at which complex source content must be reproduced into complex target content, at the same rhythm, with the same tonality, and with a meaningful structure of messages, arguments, or statements in any field of expertise.
Simultaneous interpreting requires technology to support this interpretation mode: a sound-proof or sound-insulated work space, headsets, conference microphones, onsite interpreter technology or video remote interpreting technology.
The value of simultaneous interpretation at conferences with international – onsite or online – audiences lies in the instant, clear, accurate, and full rendering of presentations and speeches as key success factor.

Consecutive interpreting is still perceived as a fundamental competency for staff interpreters in international institutions, to demonstrate the abilities of analysis, summary, and reproduction of the essential content of an original speech or presentation without reproducing the full content in all details.
Consecutive also means non-simultaneous, therefore the interpreter is given extra time to summarize the essentials of a story, a message, a speech, or a presentation. Consecutive interpretation is very rare in the private market for international meetings, because it is time consuming and less accurate. It is more widely applied for company visits, guided tours, and incoming visitors, where it is difficult to use equipment for simultaneous interpretation, but also suitable to support delegates for budget purposes.

This can be either in full consecutive mode between two or more delegations or speakers of a foreign language, or a combination of consecutive and whispering, or chuchotage, mode as explained below. This is often used for workshops, Q & A sessions, select committees, commissions, round-table sessions, or other small meetings with a limited number of people and languages. This is not recommended for large groups and complex language regimes, due the lack of sound amplification and interpretation equipment.

The interpreter stands or sits next to the delegate, foreign visitor, or representative to whisper the spoken source message in simultaneous or near-simultaneous mode. The reply from the delegate will be interpreted by another interpreter who whispers the message into the ears of the other delegate. In reality, real whispering is barely audible and therefore the interpreter speaks softly by simply lowering his or her voice in order not to disturb anyone, but also to be able to hear the spoken input more clearly.

The interpreter accompanies the visiting representative or foreign speaker, and uses a combination of the above interpreting modes in standby mode. This can be an interpreting requirement for tradeshows, incoming delegates, factory tours, or audits to accompany and support foreign speakers during their visit by interpreting from and into the visitor’s language.

The transformation of existing onsite language technology with the increasing demand for video remote interpretation, remote interpretation, and other cloud interpretation solutions will increase the demand for simultaneous interpretation, because online and virtual meetings require instant and complete interpretation of online webinars, conferences, presentations, and any other virtual interaction.
The substitution of over-the-phone interpretation (OPI) by video remote interpretation (VRI) will be part of that major transformation, not only for meetings, but also for customer services, IT support, legal or administrative support, shared service centers, semi-automated web-bots, chat boxes and messaging services, and live virtual interactions where instant simultaneous interpretation is required.