What simultaneous interpretation is
In simultaneous interpretation, an interpreter renders the speaker's words into another language while the speaker is still talking. Listeners hear the interpretation through a headset in the room, or through a language channel online, a few seconds behind the original. Nothing is repeated and the agenda does not run long.
It is the standard for conferences, annual general meetings, committee hearings, town halls, and any bilingual meeting in the National Capital Region where English and French speakers need to take part equally.
What we provide
- Accredited interpreters. Federally accredited, experienced conference interpreters matched to your subject matter and language pairs.
- Staffing handled for you. No need to work out staffing yourself. We staff the amount of interpretation to suit your specific needs.
- Booths and consoles. Soundproof booths built to ISO standards, or tabletop booths where space is tight.
- Receivers and headsets. Sized to your attendance, cleaned and tested before every event.
- A technician on site. Setup, sound checks, live monitoring, and teardown are handled for you.
Full equipment details are on our booth and headset rental page.
In person, hybrid, or online
| Format | How listeners hear the interpretation |
|---|---|
| In person | Booth in the room, receivers and headsets for attendees |
| Hybrid | Headsets in the room and a language channel for remote participants |
| Online | Language channel in Zoom, Teams, Webex, or Google Meet |
Who uses it in Ottawa
Government departments, embassies, national associations, and corporations hosting events in Ottawa and Gatineau, as well as organizations bringing delegates in from across Canada and abroad. We regularly support bilingual English-French sessions required under federal language obligations, alongside events that call for additional world languages or ASL and LSQ.
Choosing the right mode
Not sure simultaneous is the right mode? Read Simultaneous vs. Consecutive Interpretation.
