Interpreting

Seminars, meetings and other events at which people are speaking different languages sometimes require interpreters. As a service, interpreting comes in three forms:

Simultaneous interpreting
This type of interpreting happens while the other person is still speaking, and thus its greatest advantage is speed. It needs the right kind of equipment: the interpreter sits in a separate room or special cabin and listens to the person they’re interpreting through headphones. To make sure they hear what’s been said, the person speaking must always use a microphone – even in Q&A with the audience after giving a speech, for example, or stepping away from the podium momentarily.
Except in the case of events that don’t last very long, simultaneous interpreting normally involves more than one interpreter. The one who isn’t interpreting listens to the speech being given and makes notes for their partner, where needed, in regard to numbers, terminology and names, as well as preparing themselves to take over at any moment.
What’s important with simultaneous interpreting is not providing a word-for-word rendering, but getting across the basic idea, clearly and fluently. That’s why interpreters are grateful to presenters who bear them in mind when speaking – avoiding reading out a lot of information written in advance too quickly, for example. That way they can be sure that all of the information will reach listeners through the interpreters.

Consecutive interpreting
No special equipment is needed for consecutive interpreting, since it involves the interpreter rendering up to five minutes of text after it’s been spoken. While the presenter is speaking, the interpreter makes notes and, where possible, makes use of slides that can be projected on a wall. Consecutive interpreting always takes longer than simultaneous interpreting, since time has to be given for the interpreter. This type of interpreting is well-suited to negotiations, for example, since it gives the parties more time to consider their positions. People attending seminars can also make use of the time provided by the interpreter to make notes and so on.
Although consecutive interpreting is less intensive than simultaneous interpreting, it is still recommended that you use two interpreters for long and complicated speeches.

Whispered interpreting
Whispered interpreting is used if there are only a few people in a larger group who don’t understand the language being spoken. The interpreter sits next to them and provides simultaneous interpreting quite literally in a whisper.
What’s most important is that you choose the right kind of interpreting for your event. Our project managers can be of help to you here.
Cooperation between clients and interpreters is just as important as it is between clients and translators. Sometimes a topic can seem perfectly straightforward to specialists in the field, but this may not be the case for interpreters whose work covers a number of areas. That’s why it’s always useful if they’re given time to prepare. As a rule, interpreters should be provided with the material they’ll be having to interpret two weeks in advance. They should also be given the name and phone number of someone to contact if they have any questions. The better prepared the interpreter is, the better the quality of the interpreting they’ll be able to provide.

If you choose the right kind of interpreting and an interpreter with the right training and preparation, all of the participants should get all of the information they need – leaving them satisfied and with a great impression of your event