Brainwoods Interpretation Services — Interpretation Methods and Formats. We recommend the best approach for your purpose and number of participants, including simultaneous, consecutive, and whispered interpretation.
This page explains the available interpretation methods and service formats.
At Brainwoods, we listen closely to your requirements and recommend the most suitable interpreters and interpretation method. We provide clear, attentive support even if this is your first time arranging an interpreter.
There are three main interpretation methods, as described below. Depending on the purpose and number of participants, one method or a combination may be used. We recommend the method best suited to your needs.
The required number of interpreters and the fee depend on the interpretation method, service format, subject-matter expertise, and other factors. The table below compares the features, typical applications, interpreter staffing, and fees for each method.
In simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter renders the speaker’s words into another language almost in real time. The speaker does not need to pause for interpretation. Because this method demands advanced skills and intense concentration, assignments of extended duration generally require two or more interpreters who rotate every 10 to 15 minutes. The term often refers to interpretation performed with dedicated equipment at international conferences and similar events.
Whispered interpretation is used when only one or a few people require interpretation. The interpreter sits close to the listeners and speaks quietly enough not to disturb others. This method is commonly used for small meetings and business negotiations.
In consecutive interpretation, the speaker pauses at short, natural intervals to allow the interpreter to render what was said. This method supports highly accurate interpretation, but because the same content is delivered twice in different languages, meetings and similar events require approximately twice as much time as the original conversation.
| Comparison | Simultaneous | Whispered | Consecutive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formats and Uses | Conference interpretation (including international conferences), broadcast interpretation, press conferences, seminars, training sessions, and more | Conference interpretation (when only a few participants require interpretation), business negotiations, seminars, training sessions, and more | Business negotiations, attendant interpretation, seminars, training sessions, and more |
| Sample Fee for a Half-Day Assignment | JPY 120,000–170,000 (2 interpreters) |
JPY 45,000–170,000 (1–2 interpreters) |
JPY 30,000–170,000 (1–2 interpreters) |
| Sample Fee for a Full-Day Assignment | JPY 270,000–390,000 (3 interpreters) |
JPY 130,000–390,000 (2–3 interpreters) |
JPY 45,000–260,000 (1–2 interpreters) |
We classify interpretation services by purpose and situation as follows.
| Service Format | Description |
|---|---|
| Conference Interpretation | Interpretation that facilitates communication among meeting participants who speak different native languages. Conference topics are often highly specialized, requiring interpreters with broad knowledge, an extensive vocabulary, strong communication skills, and advanced interpreting techniques. |
| Business Interpretation | Interpretation for business negotiations such as the purchase and sale of products or licensing agreements. Before the assignment, the interpreter reviews the parties’ backgrounds and details of the relevant products or services. |
| Attendant Interpretation | Basic interpretation for activities such as guiding visitors at exhibitions, assisting at reception desks, and providing transportation support. The term can also refer to entry-level interpreters. This format is not suitable for interpreting important or complex discussions. |
| Video Conference and Seminar Interpretation | The interpreter uses a video calling system to interpret conversations involving speakers in remote locations. |
| Web Conference and Webinar Interpretation | Interpretation for online meetings and seminars conducted through video calling applications such as Skype and Zoom. We can provide remote interpretation tailored to these online settings. |
| Audio Interpretation | Interpretation for telephone calls, Skype audio calls, and similar audio-only communication. |
| Broadcast Interpretation | Interpretation for television, radio, and other broadcast media. This may mean interpreting video and audio almost simultaneously during breaking news or live programming, or interpreting for celebrities and other guests appearing on a program. Consecutive interpretation may be used in the latter case. |
| Interpreter Voice-Over (Video Production) | A production method in which an interpreter’s rendering of the video audio is recorded over the original soundtrack. An interpreter’s spoken interpretation may be used when a fully translated script is not prepared. |
Skype is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Zoom is a registered trademark or trademark of Zoom Video Communications, Inc.
International conferences and symposiums use dedicated interpretation equipment and conference systems to deliver interpreted audio only to the participants who need it. Temporary interpreter booths may also be installed to ensure stable interpreting performance. Please see our interpretation equipment services for further details.
