Commonly used at conferences, simultaneous interpretation is delivered in most instances by two interpreters, and usually from a booth. They listen to the speaker (in the source language) through a headset and simultaneously interpret the speech into the target language via a microphone. Simultaneous interpretation is common for conferences that involve several different languages and a large number of participants. Interpreters work in partnership, swapping every 15 to 20 minutes, to alleviate pressure as this can be tiring work. 

Where is it used? 

This type of interpreting is commonly used for large conferences with a multi-national delegation. Occasionally simultaneous intepreting may also be used for legal proceedings such as arbitrations. 

At TJC Global, we offer conference interpreters of the highest calibre, they are certified by recognised interpreting bodies in addition to being experienced in such skilled work. 

Consecutive / Face-to-face Interpreting

Consecutive or face-to-face interpreting is used for many occasions, including business meetings and discussions in any industry, contract exchanges, technical and commercial discussions, court hearings, legal proceedings, pre-trial discussions, as well as interviews and on-site visits. The interpreter listens to the speaker, often making notes, and subsequently delivers the meaning in the target language. If a speech is delivered, the interpreter may wait until a pause or the end, at which point they deliver a translation relatively quickly. 

Where is it used? 

Business meetings, discussions, court hearings, legal proceedings, depositions, interviews, visits, tours, inspections. 

Although less common, consecutive interpreting may also be required at conferences. This may be to assist during panel discussions, Q&A (Question & Answer) sessions or perhaps in a situation where a company or organisation wishes to speak face-to-face with exhibiting businesses set up in stalls around the conference room.

Facilitating Interpreting

Facilitating interpretation may be used when clients are able to understand conversational English (for example) but want to precisely understand particular points. It may be used when involved in lengthy discussions to avoid the client becoming mentally fatigued. Here the aim of the interpreter is to facilitate effective communication. This allows the client to think in their own language whilst the facilitator uses the other language.

Where is it used? 

Facilitating interpreters function like language guides. They accompany clients during the whole trip for business as well as private visits / events in order to assist when required with any language barriers. 

Often for a long business trip to another country - services also used to assist with activities in leisure time such as going out for dinner, gallery or museum visits, shopping and so on. 

Telephone / Teleconference / Video Conference Interpreting

Telephone / Teleconference interpreting is used when the interpreter is remotely located, away from either party, or is with one of the parties but through telephone conferencing. This type of interpreting is useful for clients that cannot travel to their counterparts' country, but wish to continue business. If video conferences are required, it must take place at the client's premises.

Where is it used? 

To aid communication between parties on the telephone, during a teleconference or at a video conference. 

Whispering Interpreting 

This is useful for when there is no booth equipment or microphone set and with a few people who do not speak a particular language at a meeting or seminar while most of audience speak that language. The interpreter often sits behind them or sometimes stands next to them and whispers to them simultaneously. The intepreter and listeners may however stand a little bit away from the rest of the group so as not to disturb them. Sometimes the interpreter will use tour-guide type equipment (small microphone and headset) to whisper to clients through it. 

Where is it used? 

This mode may be used at meetings when time is short (too short for consecutive interpreting) or when there are only two to three non-native language participants.