Do I need consecutive interpretation or simultaneous interpretation?

Congratulations! 

If you're asking this question, you're probably going to engage interpretation service for your international sales meeting, motivational convention, investigator meeting or perhaps a charitable function. 

Whatever the event, it is a good sign. It means your organisation is going global, and participants from different continents are getting together to talk serious business. [perhaps also sightseeing and shopping for some ;) ] It's a sign of expansion, growth and prosperity. 

In this regard, using the right type of interpretation is very important as they are the bridge to the language barrier. 

It's not an everyday experience that you engage interpreters, especially simultaneous interpreters. Some don't even know the difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpretations. 

Perhaps I would start with some explanation on the types of interpretations. In consecutive interpretation, the speaker speaks for a few sentences and then pauses. The interpreter immediately interpret that few sentences into another language. After the interpreter finishes, the speaker continues to speak. Both the speaker and interpreter appear in front. You'll be able to see both of them. This is the typical type of interpretation carried out in church service.

Performing simultaneous interpretation for
former PM of Malaysia - Dr. Mahathir Mohamad

However for a full-day meeting, consecutive interpretation is not encouraged. Simply because the audience will be bored or feel impatient over the time-consuming interpretation process. The speaker's flow of thoughts may be affected too as he is unable to speak continuously. As a result, the length (content) of  the presentation may be compromised. Not good for the organiser too as more time is needed to hold the conference. 

Therefore, simultaneous interpretation (SI) is the foremost choice for lengthy meetings. In simultaneous interpretation, the speaker will deliver his speech uninterrupted. The interpreter sits in a specially designed booth, listening to the speech and interpret it at the same time - which is why it's called 'simultaneous' interpretation.

Those who listen to the interpretation shall wear a headset connected to a receiver. By doing so, the effectiveness is largely improved. The speaker and interpreter finishes at the same time and listeners to all languages will get the message 'in real time'.

Listening and speaking at
the same time from the booth

SI booths for the interpreters