The type of interpreting best suited to your needs will depend on the kind of event you are organising. Below is a brief description of each:
Liaison interpreting
This is an informal type of interpreting, used primarily at events with a small number of participants, such as meetings and working lunches, trade negotiations, language support for foreign delegation, job visits, fairs and congresses. No technical equipment is required.
Consecutive interpreting
This service is used primarily for meetings, seminars and short congresses. The interpreter sits next to the speaker and translates portions of the speech, alternating with the speaker, and using a special note-taking technique.
Simultaneous interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting is used at conferences and high-level international meetings with large numbers of participants. Two interpreters work in a soundproof booth using headphones and microphones. Speeches are translated simultaneously, so the interpreter’s voice overlaps that of the speaker. The audience is provided with headphones so they can hear the interpreted speech in their language.
Bidule
Bidule is similar to simultaneous interpreting. The only difference is that the interpreters are not in a booth, but in the same room as the meeting, near the speaker. This technique is used when translation booths are not available.
Whispered interpreting
Here, the interpreter translates simultaneously, whispering to one or two people. This form of interpreting is used when the number of foreign participants is small. No technical equipment is required.
Telephone interpreting
The interpreter assists clients in telephone negotiations in a foreign language, intervening remotely during conference calls.