Blog · Comparison
Simultaneous, consecutive or whispered interpreting: which to choose for your event
All three modes carry the message from one language to another, but they change the event's timing, the equipment and the audience's experience. This comparison helps you choose, or combine, the right one for each moment.
Quick answer
- Simultaneous: for events with an agenda, a large audience or several languages. Needs a booth and receivers, and does not lengthen the event.
- Consecutive: for small meetings, interviews and short speeches. No equipment, but speaking time roughly doubles.
- Whispered (chuchotage): for one or two people who do not speak the event language. No booth.
- At many events the best answer is to combine: simultaneous in the plenary and consecutive or whispered in meetings and visits.
The three modes in one sentence
- Simultaneous: the interpreter speaks at the same time as the speaker, a few seconds behind, in a booth; the audience listens on a receiver.
- Consecutive: the speaker talks in segments and pauses; the interpreter renders each segment right after.
- Whispered (chuchotage): simultaneous interpreting in a low voice next to one or two people, with no equipment.
Full definitions are in our interpretation glossary.
Side-by-side comparison
| Criterion | Simultaneous | Consecutive | Whispered |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | In real time, a few seconds behind the speaker | In segments, after each pause | In real time, in a low voice, next to the listener |
| Equipment | Booth, console, transmitter and receivers | None (a microphone if there is an audience) | None; portable kit for larger groups |
| Event time | Does not increase | Roughly double the speaking time | Does not increase |
| Audience size | From a few people to thousands | Small or medium groups | One or two people |
| Several languages at once | Yes, one channel per language | Hard: each language adds more time | Not practical |
| Best for | Congresses, conferences, training, online and hybrid events | Meetings, interviews, short press conferences, toasts and tributes | A small delegation inside an event or meeting |
| Watch for | Plan booth, technician and two interpreters per language | Allow for the extra time in the agenda | Can disturb people nearby; long sessions are tiring |
When to choose simultaneous
Short answer: whenever the event has an agenda to keep, a large audience, more than one language or an online broadcast.
- Congresses, conferences and seminars with several speakers.
- Events serving two or more languages at the same time.
- Online or hybrid events, with remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI).
- Training sessions and launches where the pace of the presentation matters.
See how on-site simultaneous interpretation works.
When to choose consecutive
Short answer: when the group is small, the conversation goes back and forth and the extra time is not a problem.
- Business meetings and negotiations with few participants.
- Interviews, short press conferences and testimony.
- Toasts, tributes and short protocol speeches.
- Technical visits and delegation agendas, where setting up a booth makes no sense.
For delegation agendas and executive meetings, see interpreting for business missions.
When to choose whispered interpreting (chuchotage)
Short answer: when only one or two people need interpretation within an event or meeting held in everyone else's language.
- A foreign guest in the audience of an event held in Portuguese.
- An executive following a bilateral meeting.
- For slightly larger groups, the solution is a portable kit with transmitter and receivers, without a booth.
Can the modes be combined?
Yes, and that is what happens at many international events. Common examples:
- Simultaneous in the plenary and consecutive at the dinner, press conference or technical visit.
- Simultaneous for the audience and whispered for a dignitary seated at the head table.
- Portable kit on the factory visit, after the session with a booth.
Planning them together avoids schedule surprises. Use the organizer's guide as a roadmap.
What drives the budget
There is no fixed price per mode: the cost depends on the whole setup. The main factors are:
- Duration and number of languages.
- Number of interpreters: two per language for simultaneous; long days in consecutive and whispered also call for turns.
- Equipment: booth and receivers for simultaneous; none or a portable kit for the others.
- Event time: consecutive saves on equipment but lengthens the agenda.
With the date, languages and number of attendees, STIB returns a fixed quote within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Which mode is fastest?
Simultaneous and whispered interpreting do not add time to the event. Consecutive roughly doubles speaking time, because each segment is said twice.
Is consecutive cheaper than simultaneous?
It depends. Consecutive needs no booth or receivers, but it lengthens the event. For short meetings it is usually simpler; for long agendas, simultaneous tends to be more efficient.
Does whispered interpreting need a booth?
No. The interpreter speaks in a low voice next to one or two people. For larger groups, a portable kit with receivers is used.
Can consecutive be used in an online meeting?
Yes, and it needs no special platform feature, but speaking time doubles. For online events with an agenda, remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI) is usually the choice.
How many interpreters are needed?
For simultaneous, two per language, taking turns. For consecutive and whispered, one interpreter may be enough for short engagements; long days also call for a pair.
Plan your event with STIB
Since 2007, STIB has served corporate events, conferences and meetings with certified interpreters, equipment and a technician in the room. Send the date, languages and number of attendees and get a fixed quote within 24 hours.