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Simultaneous & Conference Interpreting in China: SI, Consecutive, and When You Need Which

For conferences, forums and high-stakes negotiations, interpreting quality is the event. Here's how to choose between simultaneous, consecutive and whispered interpreting, the equipment and two-interpreter rotation SI needs, why prep materials are critical, and how to book.

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Simultaneous & Conference Interpreting in China: SI, Consecutive, and When You Need Which
Contents

For international conferences, forums, board meetings and high-stakes negotiations, the quality of the interpreting more or less is the quality of the event. Simultaneous interpreting keeps a multilingual event running in real time; consecutive suits smaller meetings. Here's how to choose between the modes and what to arrange.

The three main modes

  • Simultaneous interpreting (SI) — interpreters in a soundproof booth render speech in real time to listeners' headsets. For conferences, large forums and live-streamed events. It needs equipment, and each language usually needs two interpreters who rotate (about every 20–30 minutes, because it is intense).
  • Consecutive interpreting — the speaker pauses and the interpreter renders each segment. For smaller meetings, negotiations, press Q&A and site visits. No booth needed.
  • Whispered (chuchotage) — SI whispered to one or two listeners, no booth. For a delegate or two in a wider meeting.

When you need which

Setting Recommended
Conference / forum / livestream Simultaneous
Negotiation / board / small meeting Consecutive
One or two people need translation in a meeting Whispered

What to arrange for SI

  • Equipment: booth + infrared headsets (we can advise or arrange).
  • People: two interpreters per language, rotating.
  • Materials (the critical part): agenda, slides, speaker notes and a glossary in advance — SI quality depends heavily on preparation, so the more you share, the better the result.

How to book

Book early (peak-season slots go fast) and share the languages, schedule and background materials. Related: hiring an interpreter for the Canton Fair and Russian business interpreting.

Want to pick someone directly? Our Canton Fair interpreter directory lists 812 registered interpreters, filterable by language and industry, with a same-day reply on availability.

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