Consecutive interpreting

In consecutive interpreting, after lengthy portions of the original text have been spoken, the interpreter then provides an oral rendering of that text in another language on the basis of notes he/she has taken during the original by using a special note-taking technique. The number of consecutive interpreters required depends on the degree of difficulty of the subject matter and on the duration of the assignment.

Generally used for speeches at dinners and the opening of public events, bilateral negotiations, ceremonial occasions (formal speeches), lectures, presentations, guided tours, etc.

Consecutive interpreting requires the scheduling of about twice as much time as for simultaneous interpreting.

Liaison interpreting

In liaison interpreting (a special form of consecutive interpreting) relatively short passages of text are interpreted into another language after they have been spoken.

Generally used for “round table“ negotiations, technical discussions (on-site presentations of machinery), conversation at meals, etc.

Simultaneous interpreting

In simultaneous interpreting, spoken words are interpreted into another language at almost the same time as they are spoken. This requires an extremely high level of attention and concentration. A simultaneous interpreting assignment therefore requires the presence of at least 2 duly qualified interpreters, working in a suitable soundproof booth, alternating with one another and providing mutual support.

Generally used for multilingual events, conferences, symposia, negotiations, shows, galas, etc.

Whispered interpreting
(also known as chuchotage)

Whispered interpreting is a special form of simultaneous interpreting that is suitable only in particular situations. The interpreter stands behind (or next to) the person requiring this service and whispers the interpreted version of the spoken text to him/her. As with simultaneous interpreting, whispered interpreting has to be performed by at least 2 fully qualified conference interpreters: for reasons of acoustics and in the interests of other persons present, this service can only be provided for one listener (or at most for two).
In special cases – such as guided tours of companies or cities – interpreting for fairly small groups can also be performed by means of tour guide systems specially designed for such situations. These systems, however, are not suitable for use as alternatives to interpreters’ booths at major events (because of possible background noise and the fact that the main speaker and the interpreter are speaking at the same time).