Types of Interpreting Explained
Choosing the right type of interpreting can make or break your international event. This guide covers the five main types and when to use each one.
Choosing the right type of interpreting can make or break your international event. Whether you are organising a large conference, negotiating a business deal, or hosting visiting executives, understanding your options helps you make an informed decision and get the best results.
This guide covers the five main types of interpreting services, when to use each one, and how to decide which is right for your needs.
Simultaneous Interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting is the type most people picture when they think of professional interpretation: an interpreter in a soundproof booth, headphones on, speaking into a microphone while the original speaker continues without pause.
How It Works
The interpreter listens to the speaker through headphones and renders the message in real-time, typically with just a 2-3 second delay. Audience members receive the interpretation through wireless receivers, selecting their preferred language channel.
Because of the intense cognitive demands, simultaneous interpreters always work in teams of two or three, rotating every 20-30 minutes to maintain quality and accuracy.
When to Use It
- Large conferences and congresses
- Multilingual meetings with 20+ participants
- Events where time is critical
- Webinars and hybrid events
- Shareholder meetings and AGMs
Pros and Cons
Advantages: No added time to proceedings; professional appearance; works for large audiences and multiple languages simultaneously.
Limitations: Requires technical equipment (booths, headsets, receivers); higher cost due to equipment and team of interpreters; needs advance planning.
Learn more about simultaneous interpreting
Consecutive Interpreting
In consecutive interpreting, the speaker delivers a segment (typically 3-15 minutes), then pauses while the interpreter renders the message in the target language. This back-and-forth continues throughout the event.
How It Works
The interpreter takes structured notes during each segment, capturing key points, figures, and the logical flow of the speech. When the speaker pauses, the interpreter delivers a complete, coherent rendition in the target language.
No equipment is required, though a microphone may be used in larger venues.
When to Use It
- Formal speeches and ceremonies
- Press conferences
- Award ceremonies
- Small to medium meetings (up to 20 people)
- Situations where gravitas matters
Pros and Cons
Advantages: No technical equipment needed; allows time for nuanced, polished delivery; creates a sense of occasion; cost-effective for shorter events.
Limitations: Doubles the time of proceedings; less practical for full-day events; requires patient speakers and audiences.
Learn more about consecutive interpreting
Whispered Interpreting (Chuchotage)
Chuchotage, from the French word for “whispering,” is exactly what it sounds like: the interpreter sits or stands beside one or two listeners and whispers the interpretation in real-time.
How It Works
The interpreter follows the proceedings and delivers a quiet, continuous interpretation directly to the listener. No equipment is typically needed, though a portable transmission system (bidule) can be used if whispering is impractical.
When to Use It
- Executive meetings where only one or two people need interpretation
- Factory or site visits
- Trade fair tours
- Board meetings with a single foreign participant
- Situations requiring discretion and mobility
Pros and Cons
Advantages: Discreet and mobile; no equipment costs; flexible and informal; allows the listener to participate naturally.
Limitations: Only suitable for 1-2 listeners; can be tiring for the interpreter over long periods; may disturb nearby participants if the room is very quiet.
Learn more about whispered interpreting
Liaison Interpreting
Liaison interpreting, also called bilateral or ad-hoc interpreting, facilitates direct dialogue between two parties who do not share a common language. The interpreter works in both directions, often serving as a cultural mediator as well as a linguistic bridge.
How It Works
The interpreter listens to one party, interprets into the other language, then listens to the response and interprets back. This creates a natural conversational flow, with the interpreter managing turn-taking and ensuring both parties understand each other fully.
When to Use It
- Business negotiations
- B2B meetings and sales calls
- Factory visits with technical discussions
- Legal consultations
- Medical appointments
The Cultural Mediation Aspect
Liaison interpreting often involves more than words. A skilled liaison interpreter understands the cultural norms, business etiquette, and communication styles of both parties. This includes knowing when directness is valued versus when a more diplomatic approach is needed, or recognising when a cultural reference requires explanation.
Pros and Cons
Advantages: Creates genuine dialogue; allows for clarification and questions; builds rapport between parties; no equipment needed.
Limitations: Works best for small groups (2-5 people); takes longer than a monolingual meeting; requires an interpreter skilled in both cultures.
Learn more about liaison interpreting
Remote Simultaneous Interpreting (RSI)
Remote interpreting has evolved significantly in recent years. RSI platforms allow interpreters to work from anywhere in the world, delivering real-time interpretation to virtual or hybrid events.
How It Works
Interpreters connect to a cloud-based platform and work from a professional remote setup (often a home studio with proper audio equipment). Participants access the interpretation through the same platform or via integration with video conferencing tools like Zoom or Teams.
When to Use It
- Fully virtual conferences and webinars
- Hybrid events with remote participants
- Recurring meetings where travel is impractical
- Global town halls and company-wide announcements
- Situations requiring interpreters with rare language combinations
Technical Considerations
RSI requires:
- Stable, high-speed internet for all parties
- Quality audio from speakers (ideally headset microphones)
- A reliable RSI platform
- Proper remote setup for interpreters
The quality of the source audio is critical. Poor audio quality makes interpretation significantly more difficult and can affect accuracy.
Pros and Cons
Advantages: No travel costs for interpreters; access to specialists regardless of location; scalable for large virtual audiences; environmentally friendlier.
Limitations: Dependent on technology and internet stability; lacks the in-person connection; requires good audio discipline from all speakers.
How to Choose the Right Type
The right choice depends on several factors. Here is a quick comparison:
| Type | Best For | Equipment Needed | Audience Size | Time Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous | Conferences, large meetings | Booths, headsets | Unlimited | None |
| Consecutive | Speeches, ceremonies | None | Any | Doubles time |
| Whispered | Executive meetings, tours | None | 1-2 people | None |
| Liaison | Negotiations, B2B meetings | None | 2-5 people | Moderate |
| RSI | Virtual/hybrid events | Platform, internet | Unlimited | None |
Questions to Ask Yourself
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How many people need interpretation? If more than two, whispered interpreting is out. If more than 20-30, consecutive becomes impractical.
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How long is your event? For full-day events, simultaneous or RSI prevents fatigue and keeps things moving.
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Is interaction important? For negotiations or discussions, liaison interpreting facilitates genuine dialogue.
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What is your budget? Consecutive and liaison require fewer resources; simultaneous needs equipment and a team.
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Is the event in-person or virtual? RSI is purpose-built for virtual and hybrid formats.
When to Consult a Professional
If you are unsure which type suits your needs, it is worth discussing your event with a professional interpreter. Often, a combination of modes works best. For example, simultaneous for plenary sessions, consecutive for formal addresses, and liaison for breakout negotiations.
Next Steps
Each type of interpreting has its place. The key is matching the format to your specific needs, audience, and goals.
I offer simultaneous, consecutive, liaison, and whispered interpreting services, as well as RSI for virtual events. If you are planning an event and want to discuss your options, contact me to talk through your requirements.
For more on the value professional interpreters bring versus DIY solutions, see Why Use a Professional Interpreter?.
