Interpretation offers different modes. Learn more about the two main types: simultaneous and consecutive interpreting.
Interpretation is a little-known profession and that it is very often confused with translation. As a reminder, interpreting is strictly limited to oral communications, while translating focuses exclusively on written texts. Well, now let’s get to the point. Interpreting is divided into different branches. Interpreters are not always to be found in a little booth wearing headphones and talking into a microphone. This profession offers lots of variables. Today, we will focus on two main modalities: simultaneous and consecutive interpretation.
Simultaneous interpreting or consecutive intepreting?
Simultaneous interpreting follows the speech as it unfolds. Consecutive interpreting alternates the speaker’s remarks with the interpreter’s rendition. Conference interpreting can use either format: available equipment alone should not determine the choice.
Both formats convey the speaker’s message faithfully. Consecutive interpreting uses pauses and may require microphones and amplification, depending on the room.
Choose according to the programme
| Situation | Format to assess | Planning requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Multilingual conference, tight schedule | Simultaneous | Language channels, suitable teams and technical support. |
| Interview, negotiation, short speech | Consecutive | Scheduled pauses for interpretation. |
| Moving site visit | Liaison or validated portable system | Noise, safety, distance and stops. |
| Teams or Zoom meeting | Remote consecutive or simultaneous | Account, roles, channels and audio rehearsal. |
Time and equipment
Consecutive interpreting adds delivery time, sometimes approaching twice the length of fully interpreted passages. Simultaneous interpreting allows the programme to continue, but installation and testing happen beforehand.
Consecutive interpreting needs no booth or receivers; a large room may still require microphones and amplification. Simultaneous interpreting requires a suitable audio path from speakers to interpreters and from interpreters to listeners. Team size depends on languages, duration and intensity.
Compare the scope of quotations
Check hours, language directions, interpreters, preparation, equipment, installation, rehearsals, support and travel. Clarify audience questions, videos and remote interventions. Interpreting conveys the speaker’s message faithfully; consecutive interpreting is not a licence to summarise or omit content.
An example in Cannes
The CTM assignment at Cineum Cannes illustrates simultaneous interpreting with a booth and receivers. For a negotiation, consecutive may be more appropriate if turn-taking fits the programme.
Get a free interpretation quote
What’s the difference?
The main difference between these two methods lies in how the comprehension phase is separated from the message playback phase. Indeed, the time that the simultaneous interpreter has to reproduce and properly structure the speech in the target language is extremely limited, if not non-existent. With consecutive interpretation, the professional has more time. This means that he or she has the possibility of moving away from the original speech, avoid literal translation more easily while conveying the entire message faithfully.
Difficulties and strategies
The difficulties that may be encountered and the strategies undertaken to resolve these tend to vary depending on the type of interpretation involved. This is particularly the case when these difficulties are directly related to note-taking, in the case of consecutive, or with overlapping activities, in the case of simultaneous interpretation. Nonetheless, both types of interpreting have quite a lot in common. All interpreters tend to say that when it comes to reproducing a message, regardless of the method used, numbers, enumerations and proper names are always tricky. But there is one common point which is beyond dispute: both in simultaneous and consecutive interpretation, the interpreter plays a key role in the exchange between partners whose language and culture are different. This is precisely the point where the magic of this beautiful profession is to be found.
Discover our interpreting agency.
