Simultaneous and consecutive interpreting for meetings and events

To organise the service, the interpreter needs the exact date, venue or remote platform, language direction, duration, subject and preparation materials. “An interpreter for a few hours” is insufficient for a reliable quote, as different formats require different preparation and team sizes.

When to choose consecutive interpreting

In consecutive interpreting, the speaker delivers a short segment and pauses while the interpreter conveys it in another language. It suits smaller meetings, negotiations, interviews, site visits, specialist consultations and situations involving direct interaction.

Allow additional time, as the content is spoken in two languages. A booth or complex equipment is usually unnecessary, and the interpreter can ask for clarification of an unclear term.

When to choose simultaneous interpreting

In simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter listens and conveys the content almost at the same time. It suits conferences, larger lectures, specialist events, multi-day programmes and busy schedules where doubling the duration is impractical.

Simultaneous work needs a technical solution: a booth, receivers, microphones or a suitable platform for remote interpreting , and, depending on duration and intensity, a team of interpreters taking turns. Check equipment and technical support before the event.

A quick guide by event type

  • Small business meetings or negotiations: usually consecutive
  • Conferences with a larger audience: usually simultaneous
  • Audits, site visits or technical inspections: consecutive or whispered, depending on the group
  • Training with frequent questions and demonstrations: consecutive or a combined approach
  • Remote meetings: consecutive or simultaneous on a platform supporting language channels
  • Official procedures: agree the method and interpreter’s qualifications with the authority conducting the procedure

Specify more than just the language
State the interpreting direction. Mainly interpreting Croatian into Nepali, working equally in both directions and using English as an intermediary require different arrangements.

Materials the interpreter needs beforehand

Agendas, presentations, speaker lists, job titles, specialist abbreviations and previous minutes support preparation. These materials can be confidential and need not have their final graphic layout.

For technical, legal, medical and financial events, confirm key terms and product names in advance. The interpreter should not encounter a complex table or specialised procedure for the first time on screen during the event.

On-site, remote and hybrid interpreting

On site, check acoustics, interpreter positioning, microphones, internet access and entry arrangements. Remotely, check separate language channels, participant management and contingency plans for technical interruptions.

Hybrid events combine both settings and require a sound check. The interpreter must hear every speaker clearly, including audience questions and remote participants.

How to request an interpreting quote

  1. State the date, start and finish, venue or platform, and arrival and preparation time.
  2. Specify the languages, directions, participant count and event type.
  3. Send the agenda, presentations and subject description.
  4. Confirm equipment, recording, travel, safety equipment and any special site access requirements.
  5. After review, we quote the interpreting method, team size, technical scope and cancellation terms.

Simultaneous and consecutive interpreting prices

Prices depend on language, duration, method, subject expertise, preparation, team size, equipment, travel and date. Minimum booking periods and cancellation terms are agreed before confirmation. For multi-day events, the quote should distinguish interpreting, preparation, equipment and travel costs.

Frequently asked questions

Can one interpreter work simultaneously all day?

Simultaneous interpreting is intensive. Longer sessions and demanding events usually require a team taking turns. The number depends on the schedule, language and working conditions.

Does consecutive interpreting require equipment?

Small meetings often need no special equipment. Larger groups, noisy venues or site visits may require a microphone or portable system.

Does every official meeting require a court interpreter?

No. Business interpreting and interpreting in a formal procedure differ. The authority conducting the procedure confirms whether a permanent court interpreter is required.

Can you arrange remote interpreting?

Yes, where the platform, sound, language channels and technical support are suitable. A short technical rehearsal is recommended.

May the interpreting be recorded?

Agree recording in advance with the organiser, participants and interpreter, in line with privacy requirements and rights to use the recording.

Send your document: Send the date, exact duration, venue or platform, languages, participant count, subject and available materials. We will propose an appropriate method, team size and technical scope.

Request a quote