fulChoose simultaneous interpretation for conferences and training days, consecutive interpretation for meetings and site visits, and whispered interpretation for one to three listeners. This guide explains how each one works, how many interpreters you need and what equipment it takes, so you can plan your event.
By Michael Delrieu, founder of fulbridge and English–French interpreter.
Simultaneous interpretation
The interpreter speaks at the same time as the speaker, from a soundproof booth or with a portable system. Listeners hear the interpreter on a headset or on their phone.
- Best for: conferences, training days, workshops and any event with many listeners.
- Time: the event takes no longer than in one language.
- Interpreters: normally two for each language for a full day. They work in pairs and take turns roughly every 30 minutes.
- Equipment: a booth, consoles and headsets, or a portable system for small groups. For more than 100 delegates, they can listen on their own phone.
Consecutive interpretation
The speaker stops after a few sentences, and the interpreter then says the same thing in the other language.
- Best for: business meetings, negotiations, site visits, interviews and small groups.
- Time: the meeting takes about twice as long, because everything is said twice.
- Interpreters: one interpreter is often enough.
- Equipment: usually none.
Whispered interpretation (chuchotage)
The interpreter sits next to one to three listeners and whispers what is said, at the same time as the speaker.
- Best for: one to three people who don’t speak the language of a larger meeting.
- Time: no extra time.
- Interpreters: one for a short meeting. For a full day, ask us.
- Equipment: none.
Quick comparison
- Many listeners, or a full programme: simultaneous.
- A meeting around a table, or a visit on foot: consecutive.
- One to three listeners inside a larger meeting: whispered.
- Some people online: remote simultaneous interpretation on Zoom or Teams. See how to add interpretation to a Zoom meeting.
Questions organisers ask
Is simultaneous interpretation more expensive?
It usually needs two interpreters per language and some equipment, so it costs more per day. But the event takes no longer, which can save a day on a long programme.
Can we mix the types in one event?
Yes. A training day can use simultaneous interpretation in the room and consecutive interpretation on a site visit in the afternoon.
How much does an interpreter cost in Morocco?
From MAD 6,000 per interpreter per day in Marrakech, including VAT. See all our prices.
Related services
- Simultaneous interpretation: for conferences and training days.
- Consecutive & whispered interpretation: for meetings and site visits.
Not sure which one you need?
Tell us about your event: the format, the number of people and the languages. We’ll tell you which type fits and send you a quote. Or call +212 6 75 64 14 30.