26 May 2025
What is Conference Interpretation?
In a multilingual and multicultural hub like Singapore, accurate and immediate language interpretation is a vital part of communication to prevent the meaning of someone’s speech from being lost in translation. Whether facilitating dialogues between presenters and attendees or in high-profile meetings, conference interpretation is essential to ensuring meaningful conversation and understanding across language barriers.
Learn everything you need to know about conference interpretation and its importance for your events, especially if you have high-profile speakers or global participants who speak a different language than yourself.
Why is Conference Interpretation Important in Multilingual Events?
In a nutshell, conference interpretation is a bridge between two or more languages, with interpreters serving as intermediaries that help audience members understand what is being said to them with as little modification to the speaker’s original intent or meaning.
Many people, however, might find themselves confused as to the difference between interpretation and translation; in fact, you might even be wondering to yourself:” “I thought those two meant the same thing?” Suffice it to say that interpretation deals with verbal messages, while translation deals with written texts. Interpreters do not typically interpret a speaker’s speech word-for-word but will carefully extract the key points the speaker has spoken and relay them to the audience as accurately as possible to the speaker’s original intent.
It also helps that professional conference interpreters are active listeners and multitaskers with an ear for subtle cultural and linguistic differences. They require a lot of training in order to effortlessly keep up with the speaker and translate every sentence uttered as the speaker is talking; interpreters need to be able to tell the difference between homonyms, understand the proper context of specific terms or words, and even identify the right choice of words based on the speaker’s tone of voice.
Skilled as they are, interpreters will occasionally need breaks every once in a while to reduce the cognitive load of keeping up with the speaker. For this reason, interpreters tend to work in teams of two so that they can take turns between interpretations if and when it is needed. Needless to say, having conference interpreters on your side can ensure your event proceeds smoothly while providing a precise interpretation of the speaker’s words to your audience.
What are the Types of Conference Interpretation Services?
Simultaneous Interpretation
As the name implies, simultaneous interpretation involves instant interpretation of the speech to the participants while the original speaker is still talking. This method of interpretation is perfect for large events that involve many participants, as every participant will be given a headset that connects them to an interpreter that provides a live translation as the speaker is speaking.
As part of this interpretation method, interpreters use equipment such as headsets, microphones, and onsite soundproof booths to enable them to listen to the speaker and provide a clear interpretation with as little interference as possible.
Consecutive Interpretation
In this method, an interpreter will take notes as the speaker is talking, translating the speech section-by-section before reading it aloud to the attendees once the speaker has finished their part. Think of this as a back-and-forth process where the speaker and interpreter take turns to talk, once in the speaker’s language and then in a language the audience understands.
The consecutive method allows the interpreter to emphasise the exact words and method of delivery if deemed necessary. You may typically see this interpretation method used in high-level business meetings or legal proceedings, where the parties will have an interpreter to facilitate communications between both sides.
Whispered Interpretation
This variation of simultaneous interpretation, known as “Chuchotage” in French, has the interpreter sitting in the audience, quietly interpreting for a group of audience members who do not speak the speaker’s native language. Given its delivery of live interpretation, it is suitable for small-scale events where only a few participants require interpretation while the rest of the audience follows along in their native language.
You may see this interpretation employed in foreign events where a small number of audience members do not speak the local language. However, chuchotage is typically ideal when only four or fewer people need interpreting; anything larger than that can be hard to follow.
Remote Interpretation
The use of innovative communication technologies offers plenty of flexibility for hosting online events, allowing anyone to participate anywhere in the world. This also applies to interpreters who can work remotely while providing interpretation services in your event, equipped with communication tools (a computer, a headset with a microphone, and other valuable devices) and a stable connection to the Internet to allow them to interpret from a distance.
Some methods of remote interpretation include:
● Over-the-phone Interpretation (OPI): This method requires interpreters to be in a three-way call with the organiser and the participant. Interpreters will join the conversation between the organiser and the participants and provide live translations throughout the discussion whenever needed.
● Video Remote Interpretation (VRI): This method essentially utilises video conferencing platforms so interpreters can communicate with both speech and sign language, making it a convenient option for participants who rely on sign language to understand others.
What are Essential Conference Interpreting Equipment?
For any conference interpretation to work out smoothly, interpreters will need to listen to the speaker clearly before effectively conveying the speaker’s message to the participants without losing its original meaning. To do that, essential equipment is needed to allow the interpreters to do their job while minimising disturbances.
Microphones
Conferences and events are bound to have plenty of hustle and bustle, so speakers and interpreters will need noise-cancelling microphones to isolate their voices from any background noise and allow the audience to hear them crystal clear. This equipment is especially useful in conferences held outdoors or in large venues, as these spaces have plenty of ambient noise that can get in the way.
Headsets
Conference interpreters will also use headsets equipped with noise-cancelling systems and sound protection to ensure they can hear the speaker loud and clear, even on a windy day. Headsets with good sound protection are beneficial in situations where the speaker is not using noise-cancelling microphones or when interpreters have to wear headsets for an extended period, as they help reduce pressure in hearing and are comfortable to wear.
Soundproof Booths
Conference interpreters work in isolated booths made of soundproofing materials, working with as few distractions as possible. You may find permanent booths that are part of the event space; permanent ones provide various conveniences, including built-in power sockets and essential equipment such as computers, speakers, microphones, and more.
Meanwhile, temporary booths are portable ones that can be quickly set up and torn down at the venue while still being durable enough to provide a noise-free zone for the interpreters to work in.
Interpretation Software
You can find plenty of AI-powered software to generate live interpretations, subtitles, and event transcriptions as it progresses, and you can even integrate these tools into video conferencing platforms like Zoom and other applications like Interprefy and Day Interpreting, which provide flexible and cost-effective solutions for multilingual events.
You can also find numerous other valuable features to add value to your event, from call transcriptions to live captions and subtitles and simultaneous verbal and sign language interpretation. Though AI-powered software does lack the human touch with its interpretation, it can still be beneficial and time-saving for conference interpreters and attendees.
What are the Common Challenges in Conference Interpretation?
Technical Problems
Even with the best equipment on hand, occasional hiccups can interfere with the interpreters’ duties, ranging from poor sound clarity to faulty headsets. These issues can make it difficult for the interpreters to correctly translate what the speaker is saying or completely misinterpret a sentence because the poor audio quality causes them to mishear one word as something else. A misinterpretation can be a costly mistake, so it is essential to double-check all audiovisual equipment before the event begins to avoid such instances from happening.
Complexity of Language
Conference interpreters may occasionally have trouble conveying the speaker’s messages and delivering the intended tone or meaning into the target audience’s language. Languages are complex concepts, and translating back and forth takes excellent skills in active listening and on-the-fly interpretations of specific meanings.
On the other hand, meetings that involve the usage of distinct terminology, such as in the medical and legal fields, can be a problem if the interpreter is not well-versed in the subject or briefed on it beforehand. Typically, interpreters well-versed in the event’s related industry will be assigned to ensure that your audience can receive an accurate interpretation.
Fast-paced Environment
Conference interpretation, particularly simultaneous interpretation, requires interpreters to be on their toes to capture all of the speaker’s words before transmitting them to the audience in their native language. This may be a challenge if the speaker has a strong accent and is speaking very quickly or incoherently, which requires the interpreter to adjust to the speaker’s manner of speech while delivering the interpretation within seconds. Conference interpreters must also develop a highly organised note-taking system, which may be an issue if they are unable to multitask.
Why consider Aspen Event Planners as your Conference Interpreter?
In need of professional interpretation or event planning and management services? At Aspen Event Planners, we can help you create a memorable corporate event that will boost your brand visibility and provide clear communication to your intended audience. We can help you take care of every facet of your corporate event as you focus on your event content, attract potential clients, and cement your reputation as a promising industry leader.
Contact us today to find out how we can make your next corporate event a resounding success!
