Simultaneous interpretation is one of the modern modes of interpretation, and it is the one that provides for the optimum quality without compromising the natural proceeding of the event.

The interpreter, located in a sound-proof booth with direct view on the conference room listens to a speaker through a set of earphones and simultaneously conveys the message in another language through a microphone to the listeners in the room.

The booths used for simultaneous interpreting have to be compliant with the ISO 4043 standards for fixed booths and ISO 2603 standards for mobile booths.

Interpreter's booths are designed to allow:

• acoustic separation between different languages spoken simultaneously,
• good visual and audio communication between the interpreters and the participants in the meeting,
• a comfortable working environment enabling interpreters to maintain the intense effort of concentration required by their work,
• a robust and light structure, easy to handle and transport for mobile booths.
  

Interpreting requires utmost concentration, which generates physical and mental fatigue. This is why you will always find at least two; interpreters per booth. They take turns and help each other, allowing for quality work and communication.

Given the constraints related to quality and health, the normal duration of an interpreter's working day does not exceed a precise and fixed time. It's usually calculated not to exceed two sessions of maximum three hours each, or a whole day of eight hours, including lunch break. If an event is foreseen to last longer, special arrangements have to be made beforehand, as for example contracting a new team of interpreters, to replace the ones who have worked already their full day.

For a quality service, interpreters need to have well in advance all relevant material pertaining to the event, in order to prepare themselves, study terminology in different languages, get acquainted with specific subject matters.

When planning an event that requires simultaneous interpretation from/into multiple languages, always ask a professional consultant interpreter to help you in defining your needs and structuring the best solution for your event. You can always reach me, and ask for a free quotation for any conference, meeting or event you are planning. Fill the form in the contacts page.

Have also a look at our how to work with interpreters section.