The infrared simultaneous translation system works by emitting infrared light. This system guarantees excellent quality of sound, and it is impossible to receive the signal from outside the venue, thus guaranteeing total confidentiality.

For guided tours or small meetings, portable interpreting equipment is increasingly used. With this system, no interpreting booths are used; the interpreter, situated at a short distance from the speaker, translates the speaker’s speech in a very low voice through a wireless microphone. The listeners have a small receiver, equipped with headphones, to receive the interpretation.

This form of simultaneous interpreting is more flexible, and does not require as complex technical equipment as simultaneous interpreting in a booth, and allows for simultaneous interpreting while visiting a site, for example.

This portable interpreting equipment gives both the listener and the interpreter complete freedom to move around the venue without loss of sound.

Consecutive interpreting does not require any technical means. It is used in particular for press conferences and short meetings with a smaller number of participants.

In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter sits next to the speaker (without the aid of earphones), who will make brief pauses, allowing the interpreter to translate bit by bit. If the speech is very long, the interpreter can take notes, as it would be impossible to memorize the whole speech.

Consecutive interpreting offers the following advantages:

• It does not require technical means
• Although it depends on the length of the event, normally only one interpreter is required.

The only disadvantage is that it slows down the pace of the presentation, as well as making it less natural. It is preferable for small groups.

In order to guarantee maximum respect and appreciation for the interpreters, it is important to have a conscientious and efficient hostess in charge of making introductions (organizers, speakers, sound engineers…), getting last-minute presentations/documents on paper or USB key, checking that interpreters have everything they need (booth, water, headphones, microphone, chair, plug…), informing them of where the booths, the toilets, etc. are located.                            

And let’s not forget the hostess’ role as an interface with the interpreter when they are “on the air”, especially if the interpreting is working alone (and cannot go out of the booth to inform of any possible issues): sometimes the speaker is too far away from the microphone, does not speak into the microphone, or the microphone is not turned on!                                                                     

Some members of the audience may make noise close to the booth or stand in front of the booth taking pictures of the audience and preventing the interpreter from seeing the speaker, several microphones in the room may sometimes be turned on at the same time, adding noise to the speech…                                                                   

At such moments a quick action from a professional and experienced hostess, wearing her earpiece and/or maintaining eye contact with the interpreter, can make all the difference in terms of the interpreter’s comfort, which will have an impact on both the quality of the service and the success of the event, as well as on the satisfaction of the audience… and the end client.

Reaching out to all people

The services provided are:

• Oral interpretation of sign language (Spanish sign language) in courses, seminars, congresses and conferences.
• Interpreting guide for deaf-blind people from oral to sign language (Spanish sign language).

All these services are provided by interpreter-guides in possession of the relevant certification or professional qualification.

Sign language services play a vital role in inclusion and equal access to communication for deaf and people with hearing impairment.