What type of interpretation do I need for my event?

Simultaneous interpreting

If you are organising a conference, seminar, symposium, etc. you will need a team of two or more interpreters working from a soundproof interpreting booth who will instantaneously translate from the source language into the target language. The size of the team depends on the dimensions of the event and the number and combination of the languages that require interpreting. Headphones are provided to enable participants to hear what the interpreters are saying. In contrast to consecutive interpreting simultaneous interpreting saves time, but it requires at least a team of two interpreters and the requisite technical equipment.

Whispered interpreting

Whispered interpreting may prove adequate if you need interpretation for just one or two people. Here the interpreter sits next to the listener(s) and simultaneously whispers what the speaker is saying. No technical equipment is required for this form of interpreting, but it is important that the interpreter can hear the speaker easily and that noise disturbance is kept to an absolute minimum. The quality of simultaneous interpretation from a booth is much higher, however, because the interpreter can hear better and speak in a normal tone of voice. Moreover, the other participants are not disturbed by the sound of the interpreter at work.

Interpreting with a mobile interpretation unit

During guided tours and on other occasions when there is no possibility of simultaneous interpretation from a booth, a mobile interpretation unit may well prove to be the ideal solution. Consisting of a wireless microphone for the interpreter and headphones for the listeners, it enables interpretation to be combined with mobility (“walk and talk”).

Consecutive interpreting

Consecutive interpreting is the standard method of interpretation for negotiations, diplomatic gatherings or speeches on formal occasions. The speaker talks for a few minutes and then the interpreter interprets what has been said from notes. The advantage here is that no technical equipment is required. However, consecutive interpreting takes much longer than simultaneous interpreting because of the intervals needed for interpretation of what the speaker has said.

Quintessenz will gladly advise you and supply you with the interpreter(s) you need.