In simultaneous (or conference) interpreting, the interpreter sits in a booth and uses equipment (microphone and headsets) to listen to the speaker in one language and simultaneously translate their speech into another language. Conference attendees have individual headsets which they use to listen to the interpreter speaking in their own language. This mode of interpreting is commonly used in multilingual events. It has the benefit of keeping the meeting short and efficient, since all participants can understand what is being said in their own native language. Simultaneous interpreting is a demanding task that requires a high level of concentration. Therefore, interpreters usually work in pairs, switching every 20 -25 minutes or at request.

Consecutive interpreting is a practice suitable for scientific and technical presentations given by a single speaker, or in meetings where few languages are used. A typical example is a meeting where one of the speakers’ native language is different from the native language of the audience: e.g. a foreign guest at an event. Typically, the speaker delivers their speech in small chunks (usually up to 5 minutes) to give the interpreter the time to translate to the audience. Usually, interpreters translate the speakers’ speech with the aid of notes. Note-taking is a skill that every professional interpreter cultivates over time. Commonly, the speaker and the interpreter agree on the pace of the speech and the delivery of the interpretation beforehand.

In whispering interpreting, the interpreter translates a given speech simultaneously to a single (or a small group of) speaker(s), using no equipment. Typically, the interpreter sits very closely behind the listener, and whispers the interpretation in their ears. The term comes from the French word: chuchoter, meaning “TO WHISPER”.

This is an "informal" type of interpretation service, most frequently used at meetings or business events, e.g. when negotiating contracts during visits by foreign delegations to industrial sites, business companies, museums or other tourist sites, Business-to-Business (B2B) events or trade fairs. The interpreter is a mediator, allowing the ‘two sides’ to understand each other and develop business relations. The term comes from the French word LIAISON meaning “relation”.

Remote simultaneous (RSI), over-the-phone interpreting (OPI) and remote video interpreting (RVI) are all different modes of interpreting where the interpreters are not physically in the same room as the speakers and the participants in the event. The interpreter must have good technical equipment to substitute the classical booth. The preparatory work for the assignment is no different than if the meeting were held in person.

The term translation refers to translating written text from one language (the source language) to another (the target language, usually translator’s mother tongue), while maintaining the cultural and linguistic features of the source text. Translators tend to specialise in one or more subject areas, in order to fully acquire the relevant technical/sector-specific jargon. Translation, proofreading, and quality control are three simple yet essential steps for a perfect translation.

Is a teaching activity of helping students, employees or managers to improve their language skills by using both formal exercises and techniques like role-playing or language games. It can be done in groups or on a one-to-one basis. It is tailor-made and completely responds to the request and the student need. Courses can be developed for private companies as well as individuals.

My academic background is in linguistics, but part of my professional background is in communication. I worked on branding, graphics, institutional communication, and marketing. Please do get in touch to discuss any aspect of your communication strategy.

Ablioconference is a complete simultaneous interpretation software platform for live or web-based conferences and events. By using Internet or Wi-Fi networks, Ablio distributes interpreting services directly to attendees' smartphone devices.

More information on their website.