Word Count: 1,044
Reading Time: 4 min
Planning a conference or another type of larger event requires coordinating many moving parts. Arranging interpreting services for your event should always be on your to-do list. However, if you haven’t mastered the complex science of managing multilingual events, language access could seem like a daunting task. Do not worry: with a partner like Bromberg & Associates, planning can be made easy. In this blog we will equip you with the knowledge needed to request, plan and execute Simultaneous Interpreting services, Simultaneous Interpreting equipment and tech support at your event.
What is Simultaneous Interpreting?
This process is the ultimate language bridge that connects speakers and listeners in real-time, without delay or confusion. As the speaker talks, the interpreter listens attentively through headphones and seamlessly interprets their words and meaning into another language, using a microphone to relay the message to the audience. This type of interpreting is irreplaceable across many events, such as industry conferences, international conventions, courtroom trials, lectures, and press conferences, where one person or a panel of speakers addresses a multilingual audience. Since this mode of interpreting is highly taxing on the human brain, the industry standard requires interpreters to work in teams of two, to maintain consistently high quality of rendition. This way they can, rotate every 15-20 minutes to maintain optimal performance. Of course, a single event may accommodate multiple languages, so you may end up working with several teams of interpreters.
How Simultaneous Interpreting Works?
The core principles of simultaneous interpreting hinge on ensuring that interpreters can hear speakers clearly while delivering their message in the target language without interrupting ongoing presentations, lectures, or opening statements. This is where the right equipment plays a crucial role. Whether you are looking for the right approach for a large conference versus a boardroom meeting with 2 dozen participants, there’s a tailored solution to suit your needs in every scenario.
Let’s look at a few options:
For sizable events hosted in larger venues accommodating over 30-50 participants, a stationary setup is essential. This setup typically consists of a soundproof booth, an interpreter console equipped with microphones, and a transmitter to relay audio to the portable receivers distributed among the audience. You may have seen this setup in UN meetings, conferences, expo shows, large trainings, and so on. There are two types of booths: tabletop and floor length. A technical team would be required to set up, monitor and troubleshot, if needed, and then break down the equipment. Their work is vital to the success of an event.
On the other hand, a portable transmitter accompanied by a microphone is adequate for smaller meetings, in many cases, depending on the size of the room, number of attendees and complexities of the events logistics. In both scenarios, attendees will utilize receivers equipped with headphones for optimal audio reception.
Step 1: Interpreter speaks into a microphone from a soundproof booth when using stationary equipment or on a portable device also equipped with a microphone from one of the corners of the room. The position of the interpreters will depend on the floor plan, though it is imperative that they have visual access to the presenters and event material if possible.
Step 2: The floor feed is broadcasted to the interpreter, who listens through headphones in a separate location – this is usually in a soundproof booth at the back of the room, or sometimes in a separate room.
Step 3: The interpreter listens to the floor feed and simultaneously interprets into a microphone, which is broadcasted wirelessly to the audience. People needing interpreting services, use portable receivers and wear specialized headphones so they can hear the proceedings in their native language. There are also apps available to allow the audience to listen to their interpreter via their phones.
Now as you have a better understanding of how this mode of interpreting works in general, let’s take a look at the benefits it brings.
Simultaneous interpreting has the power to break down language and cultural barriers, enabling effective communication across diverse audiences. By removing language barriers with real-time interpreting, you can achieve:
- Effective communication and meaningful language access - Simultaneous interpreting ensures that participants who speak different languages can understand the discussions and contribute to the meeting or event, whether it’s a product presentation, companywide training, or international conference.
- Productive meetings - Simultaneous interpreting eliminates the need for participants to pause or wait to understand the topics being discussed, saving time and increasing productivity.
- Enhanced participation - With simultaneous interpreting all participants can fully engage in the meeting or event, regardless of their language proficiency. This helps ensure that all voices are heard, and all perspectives are considered.
- Cultural awareness - professional simultaneous interpreting helps ensure that cultural nuances and sensitivities are respected and understood. It can also help prevent misunderstandings or misinterpretations that can arise from language and cultural barriers.
This type of communication has the power to transform meetings and events into inclusive, productive, and successful experiences by breaking down language and cultural barriers and enabling effective communication across diverse audiences.
The list of Use cases for Simultaneous interpreting is long and can include Business meetings, Conferences, Diplomatic events, Media events, Legal proceedings, product launches, training sessions, among many others.
If this piqued your interest, stay tuned for more blogs by Bromberg on Simultaneous interpreting modality. In the next one, we will cover interpreting modalities: in-person, remote or hybrid.
Are you ready to connect with your audience in their own language?
Bromberg & Associates has a full range of interpreting equipment available for rental and has been delivering Simultaneous Interpreting Services to thousands of multilingual events for organizations of all shapes and sizes. If you have an upcoming event and would like to explore how to deliver content to your audience in their own language, our team is ready to assist you and support you with this need.