NAATI Simultaneous Interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting is for larger events like conferences, where attendees require real-time verbal translation.
What you need to know about simultaneous interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting is most commonly used for large events and may involve one or many languages and specialised interpreting equipment. This mode of interpreting suits:
- Conferences
- Seminars
- Symposiums and summits
- Annual General Meetings
- Government delegations
- Bilateral/diplomatic meetings
⚠ Important: Because simultaneous interpreting is mentally demanding, a pair of interpreters is generally required. They work together, taking regular shifts to ensure each interpreter can stay focused and accurate while interpreting throughout the event. Shifts typically last from 15 to 30 minutes.
Simultaneous Interpreting
Interpreting for Conferences and Events
Seamless collaboration between the venue, event organisers, and the interpreting team is essential. Here’s how we prepare for success:
- Direct communication: We coordinate closely with your venue and event organisers to secure access to buildings, audio technicians, and venue maps
- Technical planning: We establish “bump-in” and “bump-out” schedules to set up and dismantle interpreting equipment
- Venue layout analysis: We study the layout to identify optimal positions for setting up soundproof booths and interpreting equipment
- Content preparation: We request agendas, presentation slides, speeches, and presenter names ahead of time to ensure the interpreters are familiar with the topics and terminology
We Provide and Set Up Equipment
- Soundproof booth: Two-person interpreter booth providing a quiet environment
- Transmitter and Infra-Red radiator: For distributing interpreted audio to attendees
- Receivers (Headsets): For attendees to listen to the interpreting feed in their native language
- Interpreting consoles: For managing simultaneous interpreting channels
- Onsite technician: To connect interpreting equipment to the venue’s audiovisual system and provide on-the-day technical support
Real-Time Interpreting for Tours and Onsite Activities
This option is ideal for small groups, site visits, and informal settings where a soundproof interpreting booth is not practical. The interpreting is live (simultaneous) but suits lower budgets and groups moving around (like a tour group). CHIN provides interpreters and equipment.
- Portable equipment: Rather than expensive and time-consuming set ups of facilities, we utilise a compact, lightweight system (microphones, receivers)
- No soundproof booths: Interpreters work with a microphone and sit in the corner of the room, transmitting the interpretation directly to attendees’ headsets
- Potential challenges: Occasional audio feedback and interference due to the lack of soundproofing; interpreters need to be able to hear the speakers clearly
- Content preparation: As with other types of interpreting, it is important to provide relevant information to the interpreters in advance such as attendees, agenda, presentations and purpose
Best practice for working with interpreters
To ensure a smooth and efficient interpreting experience for you and your guests or clients, follow these best practices:
- Provide relevant materials: Share any documents or materials that will be discussed, such as presentations, affidavits, contracts, or financial reports, specialised terminology and attendee lists
- Offer a clear briefing: Outline the key points of discussion, including any potential challenges, or overall aims, so the interpreter can navigate appropriately on the day
- Minimise interruptions: Aim for uninterrupted communication to maintain the flow of interpreting without needing extra explanations or clarifications – good preparation is the key here
- Room set-up: Ensure that all participants can see and hear; in particular ensure the interpreter has a seat/or stands next to the speaker/s with a microphone on a stand (if required)
Chin Communications has been a key player in Melbourne’s multicultural sector, even securing the Melbourne Corporations Award for Multiculturalism. This highlighted the excellent work the Chin team has achieved amid the China space, as well as with other languages and communities.- LORD MAYOR SALLY CAPP
Running a high-level training program demands outstanding communication skills, advice and support. Our program was singled out by the Chinese President as of great value. If you want great communication, language translation and China strategic advice to help you succeed in China, contact Chin – you will benefit greatly from having them in your corner.- PROFESSOR ALLAN FELS AO, FORMER DEAN, AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has worked closely with Chin Communications for a decade from translating website material and assisting with Chinese-language marketing strategy, to in-person language and culture workshops, Chin’s support has been invaluable. Here’s to many more years of collaboration.- DYLAN STEWART, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & SALES, MSO
We were constantly amazed by the professionalism and passion of the CHIN team. Interpretation and translation demand very high level understanding. The CHIN team shines in dedication and profound knowledge of different industry sectors. Over the years, my colleagues in Austrade, DFAT and Victorian State government agencies have also shared with me how impressed they are by your superb services- DR CHUYANG LIU, DEPUTY STATE DIRECTOR, AUSTRADE
Your help translating promotional materials, understanding business etiquette, and interpreting were invaluable and laid the platform for RDNS Hong Kong’s successful health exports.None of this would have been possible without your superb responsive support.- STEPHEN MUGGLETON, GROUP CEO, BOLTON CLARKE
I recall when we first had need of your talents and our fortuitous meeting in 2009 when we were establishing a Shanghai office.Your work is impeccable; you deserve the title of trusted advisor. You are the best of the best. We salute you and look forward to your next 30 years.- GREG O’NEILL, PRESIDENT, LA TROBE FINANCIAL
Chinese buyers and investors are discerning and have invested with us because of the quality and locations, but also because they have clearly understood the offering and benefits – in beautiful Chinese translations produced by Chin. It is a competitive landscape and I truly believe that with the right translation and graphic design support, this has been transformative in growing sales for Bensons Property Group.- RICK CURTIS, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CEO, BENSONS PROPERTY GROUP PTY LTD
We value the strong relationship, built over many years with Chin. Whether we seek assistance with written or verbal translation services or expertise in cultural protocols across a range of different countries, we can always trust that the translation is not just literal, but a true reflection of the sentiment expressed. Such an important part of building lasting relationships with our stakeholders.- FRANCEEN CHALLONS, HEAD OF ADMISSIONS, ELTHAM COLLEGE
Chin Communications has been an important partner for significant and important translations including legal documents and personal papers. Top of the list is a speech by our Chair delivered at a very large function in Melbourne. The speech was translated and copywritten in flowing, idiomatic English and drew a standing ovation on the day. You can’t imagine how delighted our Chair was with the response.- STEVEN CHEN, MANAGER, GLAMOURFLAGE
I would just like to say on behalf of the Police Commanders, Protocol and Communications people here – that your interpreters did a fantastic job for us today for the visit of President Xi Jinping. Please pass on our thanks to all involved. They were gold for us.- PHIL FOULSTON, DEPARTMENT OF PREMIER AND CABINET, TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT
We recently won a multi-million dollar Supreme Court case in which Chin Communications was a critical partner. Their translating and interpreting work not only helped build our arguments but discovered critical pieces of evidence which bolstered our case. They also picked up court interpreting errors that could have changed the course of the case. This consistent support with translation made the difference.- WADE GUO, YINGDE INVESTMENT PTY LTD
Dairy Australia successfully launched its WeChat official account with the excellent work and assistance from the Chin team. In less than two months, our account attracted over 1,500 followers, with thousands of views of the weekly posts. It has been a great pleasure working with the Chin team, like we have experienced with their translation and interpretation services during the past 20 years.- SARAH XU, INTERNATIONAL MARKET MANAGER DAIRY AUSTRALIA
Thank you for carrying out the Chinese inductions for us. The feedback was first class and we feel that this has been a great advantage in getting the safety message across to our Chinese contractors. There was a genuine feeling that each of the 400 guys had real "engagement" in the induction process.- CHRIS MORGAN, USG BORAL
Chin Communications made our first foray into doing business in China a far less daunting experience. The importance of having the correct business cards cannot be underestimated! They were very helpful in choosing the correct titles and look of our new dual language cards, and even provided a folder of tips for doing business with China, all in a very timely fashion. I cannot recommend their services highly enough.- LIBBY PASHLEY, BIG BANG SOUND DESIGN
So professional from start to finish with our project! We had a large 14+ page booklet for the team at Chin to translate. My colleagues commented as to how professional the whole job was, and that they feel it will aid their business immensely.- GRACE WILSON, THE AUSTRALIAN
