What is the difference between “simultaneous,” “consecutive,” and “escort” interpreting?
Simultaneous interpreting, as the name would suggest, occurs in close time proximity to the speech of the original speaker. It is provided continuously and in a smooth and consistent flow. Simultaneous interpreting, also sometimes referred to as conference interpreting, requires specialized equipment (headsets or earpieces for the audience) as well as control units and soundproof booths for the interpreters. This is the form of interpreting used at the UN and most international organizations as well as most major international conferences and business meetings.
