Simultaneous interpretation is done when someone interprets for someone in another language while a speaker talks without pauses. Consecutive interpreting, on the other hand, is when a speaker speaks, then pauses to wait for the interpreter to interpret. There are no pauses in simultaneous interpretation, which makes this the most difficult kind of interpretation. Very few interpreters can do simultaneous interpretation, and not even all of those interpreters can do a good job at it.

Simultaneous interpretation is needed when at least one person attending an event cant understand what the speaker says. It is also needed when there is no time for the speaker to pause. Some examples of these times are stockholders meetings with stockholders who speak different languages, symposiums with guests who speak different languages, and if you are a marketing research company who has to hold interviews with different language speakers.

Simultaneous interpretation is a complicated process, and only a few interpreters can do it well. The interpreter must do many things while a speaker is speaking. He has to listen to what the speaker is saying, translate what is said in his mind, render the translation in his microphone, and then at the same time, he must listen to what is being said while he himself is speaking.

Simultaneous interpretation requires an unusually extreme level of concentration which becomes very tiring very quickly. Sometimes an events coordinator will schedule frequent breaks. With frequent breaks, it is possible for one interpreter to suffice. If the speeches go on and on, without an opportunity for a break, it might be necessary to hire more than one interpreter, so that they can take turns. The biggest consideration that must be made when deciding on the number of interpreters is their concentration ability is short lived without a break. Most interpreters can work for about 15 minutes before their concentration starts to falter.

It is more expensive to hire more than one interpreter, but when what is being said must be heard and heard correctly, quality is what counts, and whatever quantity you need to get that quality must happen. An exhausted interpreter will not do anyone at your meeting any good. Not only that, but if an agency or interpreter thinks that an assignment will be too much for one interpreter, and you do not hire more than one, there is a good chance that your assignment will be rejected all together.

Take great of the people you hire to do simultaneous interpretation for you their skills are worth the expense, and are hard to come by. Having a good simultaneous interpreter is a move that will certainly benefit your business and enhance your event for everyone in attendance, no matter what language they speak.