Do we need simultaneous interpretation or consecutive interpretation? This is one of the first questions clients need to address when it comes to interpretation services. Each mode requires interpreters with different skills as well as different equipment.
Consecutive interpretation and simultaneous interpretation: How do they differ?
What is the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting? Which type would best suit my needs? What do I need to keep in mind as a client?
In consecutive interpreting, the speaker and the interpreter take turns. Whereas in simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter talks at the same time as the lecturer speaks.
Therefore, a one-hour speech will take two hours to complete with consecutive interpreting; whereas the same speech can be finished in one hour with simultaneous interpreting.
Below is a chart to show the workflow of interpreting in the two modes:
Diagrams of Consecutive vs. Simultaneous Interpreting
Which one fits my needs: Consecutive or simultaneous?
If you have no leeway to double the time for the event, use simultaneous interpretation.
Simultaneous interpretation would also be the choice if you have no control over the flow of the meeting. For example, at a big international conference organized by a third party, only a small subset of the audience needs interpretation services, and as the coordinator for interpretation services, you have no authority to arrange for the speakers to talk intermittently for consecutive interpretation.
For multilingual conferences (either the speakers present in multiple languages, or the audience needs to listen in different languages): simultaneous interpretation would be the way to go. Consecutive interpretation in multiple languages would make the event excessively time-consuming (for example, a one-hour speech would be extended to six hours for five languages).
For court trials and administrative hearings: simultaneous interpretation is used primarily; consecutive interpretation is only used during witnesses’ testimony.
For the following settings, use consecutive interpretation:
- Deposition, mediation, and arbitration
- Business meetings
- FDA inspection
If you are not certain which mode to use, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
Think ahead: Hire interpreters with the right skills
The mode of interpreting should be decided early on when the event is being planned out.
After that, the organizers should schedule speakers accordingly. Ensure that reserve half the time is reserved for interpreters if consecutive interpretation is used. It is impossible to fit a 30-minute speech in a 30-minute time slot in consecutive mode.
Clients should retain interpreters based on their skill sets. Switching the interpreting mode at the last minute should be avoided since the interpreters already selected may be competent in one mode but not the other.
Read our posts to learn more about the two modes:
Equipment: Consecutive Interpretation
Equipment: Simultaneous Interpretation
Skill Comparison: Consecutive vs. Simultaneous Interpretation
Budgeting Comparison: Simultaneous vs. Consecutive Interpretation
For a sample of consecutive and simultaneous court interpretation in Spanish, see:
Spanish-English simultaneous interpreting
Spanish-English consecutive interpreting
For a sample of consecutive and simultaneous conference interpretation in Mandarin, see:
Chinese-English simultaneous interpreting
Chinese-English consecutive interpreting
