5 min read
Consecutive or simultaneous? Choosing an interpreting mode
Consecutive interpreting suits small meetings and interviews. Simultaneous suits conferences. A short guide to choosing, and what each one needs.
Interpreting comes in two main modes. The right one depends on the size of the room, the pace of the event and your budget.
Consecutive
The speaker pauses every few sentences and I deliver the message in the other language. It needs no equipment and works well for interviews, site visits, negotiations and medical appointments. Expect each exchange to take roughly twice as long.
Simultaneous
I interpret while the speaker talks, from a booth or with a portable system, and listeners wear headsets. Nothing slows down, which is why conferences and webinars use it. Sessions longer than about forty minutes need two interpreters who take turns.
Remote events
Most video platforms now support an interpretation channel. I join from a quiet studio with a wired connection and a backup line. Send the platform details a week ahead so we can run a short test together.
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