Conference Interpreting
Conference Interpreting
G20, APEC, NATO, UN, WTO, IMF and more.
We guarantee AIIC certification and NAATI accreditation at the senior and advanced interpreting levels for every conference.
What is simultaneous or conference interpreting?
As the name suggests, simultaneous interpreting is when the onsite interpreter translates communications at the same time as the original speaker is talking.
Simultaneous interpreting is facilitated by ISO compliant booth equipment, where the interpreter listens to a speaker through earphones and renders the message into another language through the microphone. The listeners receive the interpretation via headphones.
What skills does a simultaneous conference interpreter need?
The skills required for simultaneous interpretation are almost the same as those used in consecutive interpretation. The main difference is that all three are happening at the same time, which significantly increases the complexity of the task.
The interpreter needs to possess three core skills:
- Comprehension skills – Since the purpose of listening is different, it is not as simple as it may seem. People in general listen to take part in a conversation, versus listen to remember full dialog so that they can accurately translate the message.
- Note taking (analytical) – This requires the ability to differentiate primary and secondary information and prioritise it as such. In addition to the ‘what,’ an interpreter must also remember the ‘who,’ ‘why,’ ‘where’ and ‘how.’ This means who said what, when and where, whether the speaker has an opinion on it, and so on.
- Communication skills – Great short-term memory is the first skill needed here. Thereafter, the interpreter should be able to quickly make sense of the message, which could be in the form of their notes, and translate the message in a captivating way.
Along with all the skills needed for consecutive interpretation, including listening to translate, differentiating and prioritising primary and secondary information and great memory skills, simultaneous interpreters must anticipate what the speaker is likely to say as well.
This is particularly important when the original language and target language have vastly different syntactical structures.
Simultaneous interpreters are under a great deal of pressure since they have to actively listen while analysing and translating the message at the same time.
As a result, they must have the ability to excel in high-stress situations and have stronger language skills that allow them to do everything required of them simultaneously.
Quality Conference Interpreting
Conference interpreters translate spoken language, in real time. A thorough knowledge of languages, nerves of steel, attention to detail and boundless curiosity are the hallmarks of the professional interpreter.
Concentration, speed of thought, mental dexterity as well as a broad general knowledge are all of the essence, coupled with the ability to keep calm when it gets stressful, which it often does!
Interpreters work at every kind of meeting and in any venue. They work for the major international organisations and for business clients.
All professional interpreters have undergone demanding training, many of them at postgraduate level, and they constantly hone their skills on professional development courses.
Thanks to their experience and versatility they can cover any subject – the secret is thorough preparation combined with boundless curiosity.
Modes of interpreting with or without booth equipment:
Simultaneous Interpreting
Consecutive Interpreting
Whisper Interpretation
Qualifications, Accreditations and Guarantees
Individually selected for your specific requirements
Worldwide pool of qualified simultaneous interpreters available
Bound by confidentiality agreements and AIIC Code of Ethics
Available for remote simultanous interpretation online
For other sessions like business meetings, video conferences and medical appointments, we offer the following services:
Onsite Interpreting
While OPI and VRI may be appropriate in an emergency or when faced with unexpected problems such as location or travel restrictions, onsite consecutive interpreting can be ideal for longer appointments or where an onsite interpreter is required.
This service must be booked in advance, and travel charges may apply.
Video Interpreting (VRI)
Video Remote Interpreting helps people interact more personally than traditional telephone interpreting owing to the visual context and cues. Our LINK platform offers a smooth video call experience for a better remote interpreting experience.
VRI is available on a scheduled or on-demand basis.
Onsite Scheduling Tool
Our interpreting scheduling tool allows for easy management of customer appointments and corresponding interpreters. Administrators and language service managers can track service requests and expenses directly through the platform.
Automate workflows and broadcast your appointments to interpreters or select your preferred interpreter directly from the platform.
Languages
We cover all major languages in Australia as well as languages spoken by migrant & refugee communities. We also offer rare & emergent languages such as Pacific Island languages or African dialects. We can also connect you to Indigenous interpreters who assist you with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islands languages.
We always endeavour to assign interpreters fluent in regional language variations such as Sudanese Arabic or Mexican Spanish.