Consecutive and simultaneous interpreting suit different meetings. Choosing the wrong one either doubles the length of your meeting or leaves half the room behind. Here is how to decide.
The two modes
Consecutive: the speaker says a few sentences and pauses, then the interpreter repeats them in the other language. No equipment is needed.
Simultaneous: the interpreter speaks while the speaker continues, a few seconds behind. Listeners usually hear the interpreter through headsets. For one or two listeners, the interpreter can whisper beside them instead.
Side by side
| Consecutive | Simultaneous | |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting length | Roughly doubles | Unchanged |
| Equipment | None | Headsets, often a booth |
| Interpreters | One is usually enough | Usually two, taking turns |
| Best for | Discussion and detail | Presentations to a group |
When consecutive is the better choice
- Negotiations. The pause gives both sides time to think, and every word is heard by everyone.
- Shop-floor work. People are moving, pointing at machines and asking questions. Headsets get in the way.
- Audits and inspections. Accuracy matters more than speed, and the auditor can ask for a point to be repeated.
- Training. Trainees can interrupt and check their understanding.
When simultaneous is the better choice
- Long presentations. A two-hour briefing should not become four.
- Conferences and large groups. Many listeners, one direction of speech.
- Tight agendas. When visiting executives have a fixed schedule.
Why Japanese makes simultaneous harder
In Japanese the verb comes at the end of the sentence, and so does the negative. An interpreter working into English often cannot start the sentence until the Japanese speaker has nearly finished it. This is why simultaneous interpreters between Japanese and English work in pairs and change over frequently, and why they need your slides in advance.
Whichever you choose
Send the agenda, slides and any technical documents beforehand, and tell the interpreter the names and roles of the people in the room. A prepared interpreter is the biggest single improvement you can make to a bilingual meeting.
We provide both modes on site, and consecutive interpreting over the phone. See Japanese interpreters in Bengaluru or ask for a quote.