Simultaneous interpreting is performed in real time. Interpreters render the message of the speaker in the target language almost simultaneously. They work in soundproofed booths with specialised audio equipment, in teams of at least two per language combination and alternate every 20-30 minutes.
Consecutive interpreting is performed subsequently. The interpreter notes down longer passages of speech consisting of several sentences with the help of a specialised note-taking technique and repeats the message in the target language as soon as the speaker has finished.
Alike simultaneous interpreting, whispered interpreting is performed in real time. The main difference is that this interpreting mode does not require soundproofed booths. Depending on the event type and the number of participants requiring interpretation whispered interpreting can be performed with or without a tour guide system. In the latter case, the interpreter whispers the interpretation directly into the listener’s ear.
Alike consecutive interpreting, liaison interpreting is performed subsequently. However, this interpreting mode does not require note-taking and is carried out in a two-way manner. Therefore, the interpreter renders the message of the speaker in the target language either after short passages or even sentence-by-sentence, thus maintaining the dynamic character of negotiations.
Simultaneous interpreting permits translation into multiple languages at the same time and without gaps. Hence, this interpreting mode is particularly recommended for multilingual conferences, conventions and international meetings.
Consecutive interpreting is particularly suitable for business presentations, exhibitions and evening events. However, this interpreting mode almost doubles the time required for the speech. Therefore, it is not recommended for large-scale events involving more than two working languages.
Whispered interpreting is frequently used for monolingual business negotiations and bilateral meetings when most participants communicate in a common language and just one or two attendees require an interpretation. However, when using a tour guide system, whispered interpreting is also suitable for a larger audience and is frequently applied during bilingual guided tours.
Liaison interpreting is particularly appropriate for business negotiations, consultations with a lawyer as well as personal meetings. Please bear in mind that the application of this interpreting mode is limited to smaller bilingual events since no technical equipment is used.