The interpreter sits in a booth, in front of a microphone, listens through headphones to the incoming message in the source language and communicates it over the microphone to whoever is listening in the target language. In other words, simultaneous interpretation is an intensive information processing task.

Simultaneous interpretation is advisable for meetings in which a number of languages are spoken and with a large number of participants or in the media. Interpreters always work in teams of 2 or 3.

The interpreter sits at the conference table with the delegates, listening to whoever is speaking in the source language and making notes as the speech progresses. When the speaker has finished, the interpreter reproduces (consecutively) the message in the target language, in its entirety and as though s/he were making the original speech.

Consecutive interpretation is often more suitable for smaller meetings which are technical or confidential, or for formal occasions such as banquets and official visits, where two or a maximum of three languages are being used. Consecutive Interpretation assignments may also include a mixture of whispering for small sub-audiences (1 or 2 people) and simultaneous interpretation for short meetings using very lightweight, easily transportable equipment called bidule (no booth), that the interpreters carry in a briefcase from meeting to meeting.

Also called “chuchotage”. The interpreter sits next to the listener(s) (2 persons max), and whispers what the speaker is saying as in simultaneous interpretation.

Whispering is used for very short meetings (30 minutes) with a reduced audience (1 or 2 persons who require interpretation) and special situations where equipment installation is not feasible.