How does consecutive interpreting work?
In consecutive interpreting, the speaker delivers one or two sentences then pauses for the interpreter to translate what they’ve said into the target language. Consecutive interpreting is the most straightforward method of interpreting, requiring no equipment whatsoever as everyone’s in the same room.
Consecutive interpreting is generally suitable for small meeting spaces: interviews, consultations, press briefings and conferences, travel tours, court depositions, business meetings, small team meetings and similar occasions.
How does simultaneous interpreting work?
In simultaneous interpreting, interpreters translate what is said in real-time – there are no pauses in the conversation for them to speak. This type of interpreting is suitable for large meetings or conferences and requires special equipment: soundproofed booths, headsets and microphones. The sound system should be high-quality, and all participants should wear headphones through which they will be able to hear the speech in their own language.
How does remote interpreting work?
If you had asked us this in 2019, we would have told you remote interpreting is an entirely different service, requiring webcams, microphones, good internet connections and practice, but the world has changed, hasn’t it? Now that everything’s gone digital, remote interpreting has almost become the norm, and since you know exactly how a zoom call works, we won’t bore you with the details. Whether it’s consecutive or simultaneous interpreting services you need, whether in person (Covid permitting) or remote, online or telephone interpreting, we’ve got you covered.
Which platforms are used for remote interpreting?
The general rule applied to remote interpreting equipment is that if you can use it for a conference call, you can most likely use it for interpreting. That is, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, GoToMeeting, Skype, and all the rest of them. These platforms work well for consecutive and simultaneous interpreting alike, depending on your needs and the event in question.
When is interpreting equipment needed?
The success of your event depends on good organisation. To avoid additional costs and fully meet your goals, you should ensure you have the technical equipment best suited to the type of interpreting service selected.
Sound equipment is essential if you are organising an event involving simultaneous interpreting. To avoid unexpected extra costs, check the characteristics of your event venue so that we can determine the nature and amount of technical equipment needed for the service you need.
Depending on the material already provided by the venue, simultaneous interpreting may require one or more soundproofed booths for a minimum of two interpreters, space for them to be set up and conditions for the interpreters to be able to see the stage, speakers and any projection screens from inside the booths. Booths are normally placed at the back of the room, away from the entrance and sources of noise.
This service also requires a console, microphones for the speakers and interpreters, an audio mixer operated by a dedicated interpreting technician, earphones for the interpreters and transmitters for the audience.
The advantage of consecutive interpreting is that you only need basic equipment such as microphones and headsets. As for the other types of interpreting – whispered and escort interpreting – no equipment of any kind is required.
How do I request an interpreting quote?
For us to be able to give you a quote suited to your needs, we need you to provide us with some specific details, such as:
– The dates and times of your event and the language combinations needed. This allows us to ensure the availability of our interpreters.
– The event venue. This will enable us to contact the most suitable local interpreters, helping keep costs (such as travel and accommodation expenses, in the case of longer events) as low as possible.
– The subject matter of your event, so that we can try and arrange interpreters who have training and experience in the specific field in question.
– The number of participants requiring interpreting and the characteristics of the venue. This will help us determine what kind of interpreting service is the most appropriate for your event.
Who are our interpreters?
Our team of interpreters consists of professionals with higher education qualifications in translation who have a proven track record and full responsibility in carrying out their mission: faithfully transmitting messages between two languages.
Interpreters always work from a foreign language (the source language) into their own language (the target language). However, some interpreters have such extensive and in-depth knowledge of a given foreign language that they can also use that language as a target language. In any case, interpreters must be completely fluent in the target language in order to guarantee a high degree of professional efficiency. This requirement is why we ask you to tell us which language combinations you’ll need for your event.
Although interpreters have extensive general knowledge, they do need to be able to prepare for any given job in advance. It is essential, therefore, that you inform us beforehand of the times of your event, the names of the speakers and the respective languages, and any documentation and presentations that may be available ahead of time. This allows the interpreter to analyse and prepare any subject-specific vocabulary and terminology that may be needed. Our interpreters are selected based on their proximity to the event venue and experience in the subject matter, thus ensuring the best value for money and expertise.
