Deciding which type of interpreting best suits your requirements
The type of interpreting that best suits your requirements will vary depending on the situation. You may well find that what is most appropriate for one meeting may not be the most appropriate for the next meeting. If you are unsure what type of interpreting would be most suitable, please do not hesitate to contact me for some advice on this subject.

Simultaneous Interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting is the process of transforming the 'source' language into the 'target' language within seconds of the original being spoken. You can expect a minimal delay between the speaker's original words and the interpreter's words. Simultaneous interpreting usually requires the use of headphones, microphones and, ideally, a soundproof booth, so that the interpreter hears only the speaker, and is not distracted by other sounds in the room. Simultaneous interpreters ordinarily work in groups of 3 - one person interpreting, the second acting as a support worker, noting down numbers, names and other important details, and the third resting. After 15 minutes, the three interpreters exchange roles. Thus over 45 minutes, all three will support, interpret and rest. This set-up is vital in order to ensure the most accurate interpreting.

Whispering Interpreting
Whispering interpreting is similar to simultaneous interpreting in that the interpreter speaks at virtually the same time as the speaker. However, whispering tends to take place when there is only one person in the room/meeting who requires the use of an interpreter. In this instance, the interpreter will sit close to and directly behind the listener and, literally, whisper into their ear what is being said. This does not require the use of any equipment. However, it is recommended that the client does not rely on whispering interpreting for meetings longer than one hour, as the amount of concentration required by one interpreter to perform this task well is significant.

Consecutive Interpreting
Consecutive interpreting is most often used in the delivery of major or important speeches. The speaker delivers a few sentences of a (usually) pre-prepared speech, and then pauses, and the interpreter delivers the sentences in the target language after the speaker. Once the interpreter has completed the section in question, the speaker delivers the next few sentences, after which the interpreter interprets this, and so forth. In this case, the interpreter would usually be given a small podium next to the speaker, and is very much in the eye of the audience.

Liaison Interpreting
Liaison interpreting is perhaps the most common form of interpreting used at business meetings. During a meeting at which there are people using English as their source language and those using Japanese as their source language, the interpreter sits in between these two groups and helps to facilitate the meeting by interpreting the English language comments/responses into Japanese, and vice versa, throughout the meeting.