We’ll walk you through it!

So, you’ve got an international meeting, conference, or event coming up, and you know you’ll need interpreting support. But now comes the hard part: figuring out which interpreting service actually suits your situation.

Simultaneous? Consecutive? Remote? On-site? Hybrid? Chuchotage?

Choosing the right interpreting service can feel like trying to order from a menu when you don’t quite speak the language (ironic, we know). But we’re here to demystify the process and guide you through your options so you can confidently choose the service that’ll get your message across clearly, no matter the setup or number of languages you’re working with. 

Interpreting Services Are Like… Event Tech

Let’s start with an analogy, because planning multilingual communication is like planning the sound system for your event. You’ve got the message (what’s being said), but unless it’s transmitted clearly and in real time to your audience in their language, the meaning gets lost in the noise.

In this analogy, the interpreter is the sound system, the interpreting mode is the transmission style (headsets, handheld mics, speakerphone…), and the setup - whether remote, hybrid or in-person - is your event’s actual format. And just like when you don’t have the right sound system in place, even the most brilliant ideas might never reach your audience without the right interpreting service.

Simultaneous vs Consecutive Interpreting Services – What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever looked into interpreting services, chances are you’ve come across the terms simultaneous and consecutive. They get thrown around a lot, but unless you work in the world of multilingual events, they might sound more like settings on a washing machine than anything else.

So, what do these terms actually mean? And more importantly, which one do you need for your event? Let’s break it down.

Simultaneous interpreting services

This is when the interpreter listens and speaks at the same time (with a very slight delay). It’s like live dubbing and is ideal for:

• Conferences
• Seminars
• Webinars with large audiences
• Any event where time is of the essence

It requires specialist equipment:

• Headsets
• audio feeds
• soundproof booths

As well as two interpreters per language, working in rotation every 20–30 minutes (because this type of work really is that intense!).

Consecutive interpreting services

This is a “you speak, I speak” format. The speaker says what they have to say and makes sure they’re pausing to allow the interpreter to deliver the message. It’s best for small settings, such as:

• Business meetings
• One-on-one negotiations
• Legal or medical settings

It’s slower, but much more personal, and doesn’t require all the tech of simultaneous interpreting.

But those aren’t your only options…

On-site interpreting

Simultaneous and consecutive interpreting aren’t the only formats worth knowing about. On-site interpreting, for instance, often gets grouped with consecutive interpreting but functions quite differently in practice. In spaces like factories, schools, or public institutions, interpreters may need to work with larger groups, move between locations, or even guide visitors throughout a space. This creates a more dynamic, mobile role that requires quick thinking, adaptability, and often a strong presence - especially when safety or logistical instructions are involved.

Chuchotage

Another common but often overlooked format is chuchotage, or whispered interpreting. This is typically used when interpretation is needed for just one or two people within a larger group. The interpreter sits beside the listener and whispers a simultaneous interpretation directly into their ear - no equipment, no booth, just focused, low-volume communication. It’s a practical, discreet solution when full-scale simultaneous interpreting isn’t needed, but clarity and real-time access still are.

An in-person, Remote, or Hybrid Interpreting Service?

Once you’ve picked your interpreting style, the next big question is: how will it be delivered?

Here’s a quick overview:

In-person interpreting

Unbeatable when:

• You want a real person there, providing full presence and eye contact
• Non-verbal cues are key (e.g., in court or healthcare)
• You’re already investing in a live event setup, so it makes sense for the interpreters to also be on-site. 

Remote interpreting

Much more common post-2020, and for good reason. Remote interpreting suits:

• Shorter meetings across time zones (especially if they’re online to begin with!)
• Events with budget or space limitations
• Last-minute schedule changes

However, as with any remote service, if your audio setup is poor or the internet wobbly, everything can fall apart fast! 

Hybrid interpreting

This is when the event might be in person, but the interpreters are remote. It offers flexibility but requires careful planning and technical testing in advance to ensure that every communication flows smoothly without a hitch.

Things That Shape Your Interpreting Setup

It’s not just about the format – there are quite a few factors that need to be considered to give you the full picture. Here are the main ones:

Number of languages

If you’re working in three or four languages, that’s already a full team of interpreters, which may mean you’ll need relay interpreting, where one interpreter listens to another interpreter before passing the message on in their own language. This adds to the complexity of the service, but when done well, every message will be transmitted seamlessly. 

Audience size

Small group? Consecutive interpreting is your best option to allow for a back-and-forth, if necessary. Large audience? You’ll want simultaneous, as no one wants to listen to the same speech twice if they don’t have to.

Technical setup

Simultaneous interpreting usually needs booths, mixers, headsets, microphones, and a technician on standby. Consecutive interpreting can be done with nothing more than a notepad and a steady voice, which is certainly worth considering, depending on the availability of your resources! 

Content complexity

Is it technical? Legal? Medical? Interpreters need to prep (think specific terminology, latest industry trends, and simply familiarising themselves with the entire subject), and the more complex your topic, the more prep time they’ll need. In fact, when you provide subject-specific materials in advance, you’ll get a much better result, as the interpreter will have had time to study up before the big day. 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

So, what do people often get wrong? Let’s take a quick look at the most common mistakes when booking interpreting services:

- Only booking one interpreter for simultaneous interpreting

This is a definite no (and against industry standards), as, if you can find an interpreter who works alone, it’s only going to lead to them wearing themselves out – it’s not sustainable. Simultaneous work is exhausting and requires two professionals per language pair to keep the energy and the quality up. 

- Forgetting to test your tech

Remote or hybrid? Then your tech needs to be spot-on. That means strong internet, decent microphones, noise-free rooms, and a backup plan.

- Not providing prep materials

Even the best interpreters aren’t mind readers. They need context: names, slides, speech notes, terminology lists, and the earlier you can get them as much info as possible, the better.

- Leaving it too late

Good interpreters are in demand. Especially for rare languages or high-profile events. The earlier you book, the better your chances of getting the right professionals.

Ready to Speak Everyone’s Language?

Whether you’re planning a board meeting, press conference, or large-scale event, having the right interpreting setup can be the difference between smooth communication and a multilingual mess. 

At Diskusija, we’ve been managing smooth communications for over 30 years. We don’t just “do interpreting” - we plan it with you, from helping you choose the right mode and team to handling the tech and ensuring every word lands just right.

Get in touch to find out how our interpreting services can make your message crystal clear -no matter the language, no matter the format.