Communication is a lot about sharing views, ideas, ideology, thought, or even speech. How one interprets any of these matters the most especially with the language difference. In the business world, several types of conferences and business meetings take place that require interpretation. Interpretation is a part of communication to better understand “what is going on”.

Simultaneous interpreting is one way to translate information about what is being said during these conferences and meetings. In this type of interpretation, the interpreter has just enough time to translate what the noted speaker said. This means that the interpreter has to interpret every word, at the same time it is being spoken by the speaker.

Did you know: During the Nuremberg Trial, the first simultaneous interpreting was used

Interpretation – The Meaning and Types

Interpretation is much like translation. As discussed above, it is the translation of ideas or speech verbally spoken. Converting speech in target language requires effort and keen listening skills too. Usually, interpretation is divided into 6 types;

  • Simultaneous interpreting
  • Consecutive interpreting
  • Whispered interpreting
  • Travel/escort interpreting
  • Over-the-phone interpreting
  • On-demand interpreting

The job of an interpreter is hard and demanding as they have to translate the words in the given time slot to convey the message.

Simultaneous Interpretation – One of the Most Demanding Type of Interpretation

When an interpretation begins as soon as the speaker starts to speak, it’s a game of time, efficiency, and a quality translation (verbally) from the source language to the target language. This shows that simultaneous interpretation is a demanding job. Being a business owner, you have to appoint an interpreter that understands the severity of the business niche, is comfortable and experienced enough to handle the “work pressure”.

An interpreter must be aware of the target culture and able to communicate with the direct point of reference the speaker is referring to.

When is simultaneous interpretation required?

Meetings and conferences are ground zero for this purpose, however, there are a variety of seasonings too like

  • Training sessions
  • International conventions
  • Tours
  • Business meetings (even if it’s online)
  • Courtrooms
  • International / diplomatic conferences
  • Lectures, etc.

In short, a larger professional gathering (excluding PTM conferences, employee training, interviews, HR meetings, etc.) are the perfect times when a simultaneous interpreter is required.

Let’s Talk about the Importance and Benefits of Choosing a Simultaneous Interpretation

As the process of simultaneous interpreting takes place, it becomes easy for the foreign clients/partners to understand the situation. They can communicate in a better way and get an immediate response as a listener or speaker. So keeping this fact in mind, we have highlighted some of interesting importance and benefits of using simultaneous interpretation;

1. Real-time presence

A real-time experience is what the simultaneous interpretation conveys. Live experiences of sharing the information verbally have a direct impact on the situation. Interpretation can take place in multiple languages simultaneously to deliver the message to a larger, focused group. This way an audience has the freedom to convey their point of view during the live session.

2. Accuracy is the key

Do you want a high level of accuracy in the live translation? Try opting for simultaneous interpretation. This type of interpretation shows a high level of commitment and therefore the accuracy level is spot on. Interpreters use their sharp listening skills and have to keep track of what is being said and interpret at the same time.

3. Intact message

Interpretation is not about a word to word translation. It focuses on interpreting the meaning of the message being conveyed. So the translation company you hire will ensure to appoint an interpreter with a high level of efficiency of interpretation skills. An experienced interpreter understands his/her responsibility and makes sure the rightful message is delivered. This is another reason subject matter experts are hired.

4. Easily covers a big conference

How many key speakers participate in a conference? How many of the total participants attending are clients or partners? Does this mean that queries will be raised during or after the session? Probably yes. Instead of hiring a single interpreter (useful for a small conference) you preferably need a team of simultaneous interpreters to avoid any loose ends.

5. Time effectiveness

Interpretation of multiple languages is time-taking. But this is also avoidable, as a simultaneous interpreter delivers the message in the desired language. This helps the audience understand the current scenarios. Especially during the answer question rounds. Any ambiguity is driven out and the right message is delivered instantly.

6. Easy way to consume information

Instead of going through written translation and taking “extra” time to learn the information, simultaneous interpretation makes it easy to consume information right away. You cannot only listen but also provide your feedback during the session. It’s quite advantageous for the non-native audience. This pretty much sums up the easy use of information at the spot.

7. Smooth flow

While a presentation is ongoing, you cannot stop the presenter to ask the question or what specifically you “did not understand”. The role of a simultaneous interpreter is to let the presentation or any discussion continue inflow without disturbing the speaker or the audience. Time is of the essence, so without delaying the information, a simultaneous interpreter delivers the message.

Besides these factors, some of the other reasons for that highlights the significance of simultaneous interpretation can be;

  • Efficient communication that lets the delegates to enjoy the sharing of knowledge by bringing an equal opportunity for all attendees
  • Messages are not lost thanks to the real-time convenience.
  • A multilingual conference gains improved results by proper and timely communication achieved with the simultaneous interpretation.
  • Every participant is aware of what is going on and can respond immediately.

Bottom Line

Interpreters need to hone their skills and play a much active role in the business world to remain updated with the current events. This helps the interpreter to use the best methods to deliver the information to a multilingual audience. For flawless results, it’s better to hire professional interpretation services. A little extra help with the right interpreter can be a game-changer, are you ready for it?