Consecutive interpretation
In consecutive interpretation, the interpreter starts by listening to the speaker, and then once the speaker pauses, they translate the message into the target language. Typically, the speaker makes a pause after each complete thought, giving the interpreter time to deliver the message. Professional interpreters do not need long pauses, as they are able to think over the translation and covey the message immediately after the speaker has paused. Consecutive interpreters must have an excellent memory, as they have to memorize the content of quite large segments of speech.
Consecutive interpretation is an ideal option for communication among several participants and for flexible timeframes.
Simultaneous interpretation
It is the most demanding and expensive type of interpreting services, as it requires special equipment as well as extensive training, skills, and experience. Simultaneous interpretation is generally suitable for large-scale events with a large number of participants. It is important that the translated speech should follow simultaneously with the delivery of the original speech and the audience would enjoy a stable audio stream. These are achieved through special conference equipment and headphones for members of the audience. The central role belongs to top-notch, professional and seasoned interpreters. Simultaneous interpreters are highly regarded as elite professionals: Their availability is limited, and their services are expensive.
In simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter interprets almost concurrently with the speaker, lagging a few seconds behind. Simultaneous interpretation has a lot of advantages: It saves the speaker’s and the audience’s time; it provides the possibility to broadcast the speech into multiple languages at the same time, and it enhances the prestige of the event. Undoubtedly, such communication requires a significant amount of effort from the interpreter: Simultaneous interpretation is known as the highest-level skill in the translation industry! This is why simultaneous interpreters usually work in pairs and switch roles every thirty minutes.
