Question 1

Simultaneous or consecutive interpreting — which does our event need?

Accepted Answer

Consecutive suits small meetings, negotiations and government appointments; the speaker pauses and the interpreter renders, so allow roughly double the speaking time. Simultaneous suits conferences with a fixed agenda and a large audience; it needs a minimum of two interpreters per language plus equipment. Decide from audience size, available time and how interactive the session is.

Question 2

Why do simultaneous assignments require two interpreters per language?

Accepted Answer

Listening, analysing and speaking at once degrades accuracy measurably after about 30 minutes of continuous work. Professional practice is therefore to work in pairs with handovers every 20 to 30 minutes, with the resting interpreter capturing figures, proper nouns and terminology for the active one. A single interpreter for a full day usually costs accuracy in the afternoon session.

Question 3

What equipment does a conference with interpreting need?

Accepted Answer

A standard setup is an interpreter booth or portable console, transmitters and receivers with headsets for the audience. Small groups touring a plant can use a portable tour-guide system instead. Online events use the platform's interpretation channels. The most frequently overlooked element is the floor microphone: if the interpreter cannot hear the speaker cleanly, no amount of skill compensates. We test with the AV team before the session starts.

Question 4

How far ahead should we book an interpreter?

Accepted Answer

For English and Chinese general business work, five to seven working days. For Japanese, Korean, German and French, one to two weeks. For scarce combinations such as Arabic, Russian or the Scandinavian languages, two to four weeks. Simultaneous assignments with equipment should be confirmed at least two weeks out so both the team and the hardware are secured. For urgent requests, call and we will check live availability.

Question 5

How is interpreting quoted?

Accepted Answer

Interpreting is normally quoted by half day or full day rather than by the hour, because the interpreter reserves the slot and prepares in advance. Language pair, subject specialisation, mode, venue and travel, and urgency all affect the figure. Send us the date, language, location and nature of the assignment by phone, LINE or email and we will quote your specific case.

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Business & Conference Interpreting

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