Do you know who a professional interpreter is?
Types of event interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting
When we hear the word “interpreter”, most of us think of a person wearing a headset and speaking alone in a booth. This would be an example of simultaneous interpreting, one of the most common types. The professional listens to the speaker’s speech, waits a few seconds and reformulates it into a language his or her audience understands, all in real time. The translated message reaches the listener within seconds. This type of service is very often used in large events such as congresses, seminars or conferences. It also tends to be the best option for long speeches when the speaker has the floor for an hour or more, as the translation is provided in a non-interruptive manner. No simultaneous interpreting service can be delivered without all the necessary technical equipment: only a silent interpretation booth, headphones for the audience and a sound system can make the magic happen. An interpreter’s working day (of no more than 8 hours) requires a very high degree of concentration. That is why there should be at least two interpreters sharing a booth as they work in turns at intervals of 30 minutes maximum.
Consecutive interpreting
This type of interpreting has become the preferred option for short events such as press conferences, inaugurations and guided tours, which ideally last between 30 to 60 minutes. It’s also handy in situations where the audience is small.
It consists of conveying the message only once the speaker has finished his or her speech. The interpreter stands or sits next to the speaker and takes notes of the speech to be able to reproduce it during pauses, which the speaker must make every five minutes at most.
It is vitally important that the interpreter is next to the speaker so that the audience can quickly divert its attention. It should be remembered that, depending on the number of attendees and the setting, technical equipment (such as receivers, microphones, etc.) may be needed.
If this interpreting mode is chosen, it should be borne in mind that the event duration will increase considerably since the interpreter will need some time to reproduce the original speech.
Bilateral or liaison interpreting
This mode can be considered a subtype of consecutive interpreting. It is used in conversations that involve several people who speak two or more languages, where the interpreter serves as a liaison between the different interlocutors.
This bidirectional service is ideal for business visits, private meetings, work lunches and the like and does not require any technical support.
Sworn interpreting
Sworn interpreting is a sworn form of consecutive interpreting. This service is usually required in official, legal or government institution settings. The interpreter’s role in this case is equivalent to that of a notary public, since he or she guarantees the veracity of the translation and is responsible for the accuracy of its content.
In Spain, the sworn interpreter must be authorised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be able to provide services in the legal field. As a general rule, the interpreter is selected by the court through a company selected by public tender, although sometimes the courts allow a client to bring a sworn translator-interpreter with prior authorisation.
Interpreter’s role at events
If you decide to request an interpreting service, you are not only hiring the services of a professional who can reproduce a message in another language. This interpreter can be the pivotal to closing a deal or presenting your product in the best possible way to your foreign clients.
At Overseas Translations, we have a network of external collaborators specialised in conference interpreting, both simultaneous and consecutive. We have provided interpreting services for all types of events with professionals who are able to convey information accurately and quickly, remain calm under pressure and pay attention to detail.
Contact us and we will find the best interpretating solution for your event as well as the technical equipment to make everything run smoothly.
