Simultaneous interpreting

What is simultaneous translation?

Contrary to consecutive interpretation with a summary or abstract of a presentation, simultaneous interpreting provides instant and full interpreting of all presentations using interpreter equipment with headsets, ISO 4043 certified interpretation booths and IEC 60914 compliant conference systems including amplification, projection and other audiovisuals to support your meetings.

Other forms of interpretation are liaison interpreting or ad hoc interpreting for select committees, board meetings, workshops, site visits, demonstrations or small groups of delegates. This is often a combination with whispering interpreters to support one or two delegates.

Simultaneous interpretation is by far the most professional solution for international conferences . This requires qualified conference interpreters who add value to your meeting and delegates and speak the voice of your clients, guests, relations and stakeholders.

As mediators in multilingual communication, interpreters are sensitive to impartiality and objectiveness. Departing from the original meaning is walking on very thin ice, something that makes most interpreters feel very uncomfortable. Speakers do not make life easy for the interpreter, who is always struggling to deliver the correct message.

Deviating from the original speech must be avoided at all times to deliver the authentic message from the original speaker. Excellent interpreters aim at outperforming the original speaker, without being unfaithful to the original message.

The interpreter’s mission is to stress and emphasize the speaker’s message, and to make it as powerful and convincing as the original message. The interpreter is the original speaker for the target audience and the listeners who do not understand the original language. They see the speaker, but they hear the interpreter’s voice.

And this is why in most cases the interpreter’s mission is to outperform the speaker, to increase the message while remaining faithful to the original in style, wording, tonality, and impact. As is the case with professional speakers, professional interpreters are sourced to be ambassadors to successfully create goodwill, understanding, and branding for stakeholders. 

1. Good preparation is key. Provide all working documents, papers, and meeting agenda.

2. Brief the interpreter team on the purpose and the program of the meeting.

3. Make sure interpreters have a direct view of the speakers and screen or provide monitors.

4. Make sure that the audio feed has been suitably tested before the start of the meeting.

5. Brief the speakers to use their natural speaking rhythm without being too slow or too fast.

1. Use your natural speaking rhythm in a controlled manner.

2. If you use documents or presentations, do not speak at reading speed.

3. Try to avoid idioms, linguistic metaphors, or jokes.

4. Pronounce names, figures, and places very clearly.

5. Be disciplined during Q & A sessions and avoid interruptions.

Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) is a form of offsite interpreting using online, resident, or mobile videoconferencing. Resident videoconferencing uses resident video rooms in different remote locations, where the interpreter can be at another remote location or in one of the resident video rooms.

Mobile or hybrid video conferencing uses mobile audiovisual equipment at remote locations. The interpreter works at one of the remote locations
with onsite videoconferencing equipment.

Online or cloud videoconferencing means that audio and video is coded and decoded with audio and video codecs. It makes use of Internet protocols to support real-time communication over the Internet using a browser or real-time remote access interface. The interpreter and participants log in from a dedicated workplace with a suitably fast Internet connection.

Benefits of Video Remote Interpreting services include round-the-clock availability of interpreters, time and cost efficiency, and access in remote areas without interpreters.