Consecutive interpreting: meetings and discussions
Consecutive interpreting may be requested for business meetings, bilateral negotiations, notary procedures, appointments at institutions, training sessions and site visits. The speaker stops at intervals and the interpreter renders what was said in the target language. Time needs to be allowed for this in the meeting programme. Rather than planning long presentations as a single uninterrupted block, agree the interpreting breaks with the speakers in advance.
Escort and one-to-one meeting interpreting
For trade fairs, factory visits, business trips or one-to-one meetings, state where the interpreter needs to be and at what times. Multiple addresses, transport, waiting time, the number of visitors and changes to the programme all affect the scope. For an appointment at an official institution, confirm in advance any specific requirements the institution has regarding interpreters.
Simultaneous interpreting: conferences and events
At congresses, seminars, launches or meetings with many participants, interpretation delivered at the same time as the speech may be preferred. This method involves more than just booking an interpreter. Needs such as the venue, language channels, sound system, headsets, microphones, booths or an online event platform are assessed according to the event plan.
The number of interpreters and how they share the work should be planned together with session lengths and breaks. Ask clearly whether equipment and technical support services are included in the quote. If the event will be recorded, recording the interpretation and its later use should also be discussed before the work begins.
Prepare an event summary for your quote
- Event date, start and finish times, and session programme.
- Venue, address or online platform.
- Languages spoken, interpreting directions and number of participants.
- Subject of the meeting and specialist field.
- Presentations, speaker list and any glossary.
- Technical equipment, recording and broadcasting needs.
If there are several languages or parallel sessions, share the programme in a single schedule. Availability and timing are confirmed once the scope has been assessed. Let us know about any last-minute change of time, language or venue as early as possible.
Why does preparation before the meeting matter?
Preparing the terminology is easier when presentation files, product names, abbreviations and organisation details are shared in advance. Agree the terms for sharing confidential meeting documents before the work starts. For online events, it is also useful to plan a technical rehearsal for sound, connection and the platform’s interpreting channels.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request an interpreter for a notary appointment?
Yes, you can send a request with the appointment location, date, language and type of procedure. The institution’s requirements for the interpreter’s qualifications, and availability, should be confirmed in advance.
Is simultaneous interpreting equipment included in the quote?
It depends on the scope. Whether booths, headsets, the sound system and technical support are included is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.
What information should I send for an online meeting?
We need the platform, the session programme, the languages, the number of participants and the technical set-up. Also tell us from the start if the event will be recorded or broadcast.
This guide is for general information. Confirm the document and approval requirements for your application with the relevant institution, and share its current checklist with your translation request.