Simultaneous interpretation is a type of oral translation that is not only more challenging for the interpreter but also complex in terms of organizing the process itself. Special equipment (including headphones, microphones, a booth, amplifiers, radio transmitters, and so on) allows the interpreter to translate at the same time as the speaker, significantly reducing the time required for an event. This is especially practical for long presentations with multiple speakers and programs with strict time constraints. It is generally considered that interpreters should switch every half-hour to avoid fatigue and provide high-quality services. All these factors significantly affect the cost of interpretation services.
Simultaneous interpreters usually work in pairs. This type of interpretation requires intense concentration, so two interpreters generally share the workload at the event. If the event lasts less than an hour, one interpreter may be able to manage it. For high-level events, such as a conference with government representatives, a team of three interpreters might be necessary. You will also need three interpreters if the working day is especially long. A typical interpreter's working day consists of six to eight hours of actual interpretation time. Usually, if simultaneous interpretation is needed in more than one room or for multiple languages, a larger team of interpreters will be required.
The most effective support you can provide an interpreter is written materials for preparation. We emphasize the importance of this type of assistance. If possible, we recommend providing speeches or presentation texts in advance. If they are unavailable, you can provide a brief outline of the topic, sample PowerPoint presentations, and a list of abbreviations and acronyms that may be used. You may also inform us of any online resources that contain relevant background information. All materials should ideally be received at least one day before the first working day.
Please remember to give your interpreters a break for lunch or rest during a work pause. For instance, don't expect them to perform informal interpretation over lunch. By lunchtime, an interpreter's brain is ready to "overheat," so a break is essential! If needed, we can offer the services of bilingual specialists to facilitate communication during meals. Their services are generally much less costly than those of professional interpreters.