Question 1

What Is Consecutive Interpretation?

Accepted Answer

In consecutive interpretation, the speaker pauses after completing a segment, usually one or two sentences, and the interpreter then renders the speech into the target language. This back-and-forth pattern is well suited to small meetings, depositions, legal hearings, medical consultations, and business negotiations where the pace is conversational. No specialist equipment is required.

Question 2

What Is Simultaneous Interpretation?

Accepted Answer

In simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter renders the speaker's words into the target language in real time, with a lag of only a few seconds. Delegates listen through headsets while the interpreter works from a soundproofed booth. This format is the standard for international conferences, multilingual symposia, and large-scale events where stopping the speaker for interpretation is not practical.

Question 3

When Should I Use Consecutive and When Should I Use Simultaneous Interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Consecutive interpretation is best for small gatherings, legal proceedings, medical appointments, and business meetings with a limited number of participants. Simultaneous interpretation is better for conferences, panel discussions, and events with large audiences or tight schedules. Simultaneous requires more planning and specialist booth equipment but keeps the event flowing at full speed.

Question 4

What Is Whispered Interpretation (Chuchotage)?

Accepted Answer

Chuchotage is a form of simultaneous interpretation where the interpreter sits beside or behind one or two delegates and whispers the interpretation in real time, without equipment. It is appropriate when only a small number of participants need interpretation and installing a full booth setup is impractical. It places high cognitive demand on the interpreter and is not suitable for sessions lasting more than one to two hours.

Question 5

What Is Telephone and Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI)?

Accepted Answer

Over-the-phone interpretation connects a professional interpreter to a conversation via telephone or a bridged call. It is the fastest way to access interpretation for short, unplanned, or one-off conversations: customer service calls, emergency situations, and brief business calls. OPI sessions are typically billed by the minute. Our team can connect you with a qualified interpreter in most languages within minutes.

Question 6

Do You Offer Interpretation for Medical Appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Medical interpretation requires a specialist who understands clinical terminology in both languages and is trained to interpret with neutrality and precision. We provide interpretation for patient consultations, specialist referrals, surgical discussions, and cross-border medical treatments, frequently alongside medical translation of supporting records. Remote medical interpretation via video call is also available for situations where an in-person interpreter is not accessible.

Question 7

How Far in Advance Do I Need to Book an Interpreter?

Accepted Answer

For planned events such as conferences and legal hearings, we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability of the right specialist. For business meetings and smaller assignments, one to three days is typically sufficient. Urgent bookings are accommodated when our schedule allows. Contact us as soon as your dates are confirmed.

Question 8

What Information Do I Need to Provide When Booking?

Accepted Answer

We need the date, location (or online platform), expected duration, language pair, format (consecutive or simultaneous), subject matter or industry, and a brief description of the event. For legal or medical assignments, any preparatory materials such as case summaries or terminology lists help the interpreter prepare and deliver a higher-quality result.

Question 9

How Does Pricing Work for Interpretation Services?

Accepted Answer

Interpretation is priced by the half-day or full day for in-person assignments, and by the hour for remote sessions. Rates depend on the language pair, format, subject specialization, and travel requirements. Simultaneous interpretation carries a higher rate than consecutive, reflecting the specialist skill and preparation involved. We provide a clear quote with all costs itemized before you confirm a booking.

Question 10

Do Interpreters Work in Pairs for Long Events?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Simultaneous interpretation is cognitively intensive, and professional standards recommend that two interpreters work in rotation, switching every 30 minutes, for sessions lasting more than one hour. For full-day conferences, a team of two per language direction is standard practice. We factor this into all simultaneous interpretation bookings automatically and explain the setup in your quote.

Question 11

What Sectors Do Your Interpreters Cover?

Accepted Answer

Our interpreters specialize in legal and judicial proceedings, medical and healthcare, business and finance, international diplomacy, academic and research conferences, technical and engineering, and commercial trade negotiations. Sector match is part of how we assign every interpreter: the right subject knowledge prevents terminology errors that can have serious consequences in legal or medical settings.

Question 12

Can You Provide Interpretation for Legal Proceedings and Court Hearings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Legal interpretation requires a specialist with formal training in both legal systems involved, the ability to interpret in the first person, and an understanding of procedural norms. Our legal interpreters work in courtrooms, arbitration panels, depositions, police interviews, and notarial proceedings, often coordinated with legal translation of supporting documents. Many hold official accreditation or have been sworn in before a court in their jurisdiction.

Question 13

Do You Offer Remote Interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Remote interpretation is available via video call for consecutive assignments, and via specialist remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) platforms for conference-scale events. Remote interpretation removes the travel barrier and is well suited to international business calls, depositions, client consultations, and smaller conference sessions where participants are joining from multiple locations.

Question 14

What Video Platforms Do You Support for Remote Interpretation?

Accepted Answer

For consecutive remote interpretation, we work with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Webex, and any other standard video conferencing platform your organization uses. For simultaneous interpretation, we use specialist RSI platforms including Interprefy, Kudo, KUDO, and Zoom with built-in interpretation mode. We advise on the right platform for your event and can handle technical setup on our end.

Question 15

How Does Remote Simultaneous Interpretation Work for Conferences?

Accepted Answer

Remote simultaneous interpretation uses a specialist platform where interpreters work from their own soundproofed booths in different locations, and delegates receive the interpretation through a web app or phone. The experience for delegates is virtually identical to in-person conference interpretation. RSI platforms also allow participants to switch between language channels and the floor audio without any additional equipment. We handle the interpreter coordination and platform setup.

Question 16

What Audio Quality Is Required for Remote Interpretation Sessions?

Accepted Answer

Clear audio is critical for interpreter performance and participant experience. We recommend a wired internet connection rather than Wi-Fi for all participants, a dedicated microphone or headset rather than a laptop's built-in microphone, and a quiet environment for the main speakers. We send technical guidelines to all participants before any remote interpretation session. For high-stakes events, a technical rehearsal the day before is strongly recommended.

Question 17

Can Remote Interpretation Work for Small Meetings as Well as Large Conferences?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Remote consecutive interpretation requires nothing more than a standard video call and works well for two-to-ten participant meetings, client calls, and medical consultations. Remote simultaneous interpretation scales from small focused sessions to large multilingual conferences with thousands of delegates. We recommend the right format based on your participant count, session length, and budget.

Interpretation Services FAQ for Meetings and Events

Types of Interpretation

Booking, Logistics, and Costs

Remote and Video Interpretation

Interpreting Questions: Talk to a Specialist