Simultaneous interpreting

Simultaneous interpreting requires equipment

Simultaneous interpreting equipment is vital, since the delay between speakers and interpreters is only a few seconds.

Interpreters therefore interpret as speakers are speaking. Interpreters wear a headset in a booth to isolate themselves and stay focused, making it possible to interpret speakers in near real time.

Static and portable equipment

Portable equipment can be used for informal meetings in two languages only: 1 HF microphone/transmitter and HF receivers for a language pair (e.g. French/English).
Static equipment is used for conferences and seminars: booths, receivers, interpreter desks, transmitters, infrared equipment, etc. Each booth houses a team of 2 or 3 interpreters. Sometimes 3 interpreters are required when the language is complex – such as Japanese – or the subject matter is particularly dense – medical and/or financial conferences, for instance.

Interpreters only work alone for 45 minutes (1 hour maximum). This is why each team of interpreters takes it in turn to interpret for a period of 20 or 30 minutes. We will ask you for your documents, since it is important for you that interpreters prepare and understand the subject matter of the event they are to interpret.

Consult our Interpreting Manager for further information.