Simultaneous interpreting is the oral translation of speech in real time. Interpreters sit in a soundproof booth and use a headset to listen to a speech, which they translate in real time or at the same time as the speaker. Listeners use earphones to hear the interpreter. This is the most frequent interpretation method as it is very fluid and saves a great deal of time.

Its main disadvantage is that technical equipment has to be hired as well, which increases the cost of the service significantly. The terms “conference interpreting” and “simultaneous interpreting” are now used interchangeably.

Simultaneous interpreting is used for seminars and conferences when it is important for attendees to follow a speech in real time with no interruptions to speed up the process. It is also particularly useful for roundtables and workshops.

Consecutive interpreting does not require technical equipment. All the interpreter needs is a pen and notebook. The principle is the same: the speaker speaks, the interpreter listens, takes notes and then reproduces the speech in the target language. Notetaking has evolved considerably over time. In the 1950s and 1960s, some interpreters were able to reproduce speeches lasting 20 to 30 minutes based on their memory alone. An interpreter's three main tools today are their memory, general culture and notetaking.

The main difference between these two methods is the time between the understanding and reproduction phases of the message. In the simultaneous method, the time gap between both is short or even non-existent. However, in consecutive interpreting, the professional has more time and can, therefore, avoid a literal translation and undesirable interferences more easily. Concerning costs, with simultaneous translation, sophisticated technical equipment and technical personnel also need to be hired. And to ensure quality, there must always be two interpreters per booth (and one booth per language combination). With consecutive interpreting, no technical material other than what the speaker has is needed and only one interpreter is needed for the job.

Liaison interpreting occurs at more informal meetings or during court cases. The interpreter interprets what is being said without any technical equipment and actively participates in the conversation, which makes it easier to clarify any points and ask questions.

In liaison or bilateral interpreting, the interpreter acts as an intermediary between two people or groups of people. It's more informal than simultaneous or consecutive interpreting.

Chuchotage is an interpreting technique that does not require any technical equipment. In principle, it's similar to simultaneous interpreting, although in chuchotage, the interpreter whispers the target-language interpretation of what the source-language speaker says into the listener's ear.

This interpreting type is used when there's only one person needing the interpretation. This technique can be quite inconvenient for both the interpreter, as they need to adopt an uncomfortable posture to be able to whisper what is being said, and for the people around them as they will hear annoying whispering at the same time as they listen to whoever is speaking at the time.

The main advantage is the saving of the cost of hiring the technical equipment.

Remote Simultaneous Interpreting (RSI)
This interpreting type was primarily developed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. After the state of alert was declared in Spain on 16 March 2020, all events, conferences, congresses, seminars and presentations planned with interpreting services were cancelled. We've had to adapt to the new forms of remote working and virtual meetings and gatherings. A new remote simultaneous interpreting service had to be offered using video-conferencing applications.

With RSI, interpreters are in a remote location and attendees receive the interpretation on their own devices wherever they are. In some cases, interpreters are in the booths at the event location interpreting for both the attendees in the room and those following the event remotely.

RSI is a flexible option for organisers as interpreters can provide their services without being physically present. And it's also flexible for interpreters as they can work from home without having to spend time travelling.

As a result, we can ensure quality standards are upheld by using interpreters specialised in the topic regardless of whether travel is permitted or not. Besides making it easier to offer more languages and combinations, RSI adds value to our commitment to sustainability and implementing the circular economy in our work procedures.

We can provide simultaneous interpreting via with the most widely used video-conferencing and webinar programmes such as Zoom, Webex, Meets or Teams.