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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.
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.
