In a globalized and hyperconnected world, multilingual communication has become a decisive factor for the success of companies, institutions and organizations. It is no longer enough to master a common language: in many scenarios.

From a international summit up to one strategic corporate meeting. It is essential to ensure that each message is conveyed accurately, naturally, and culturally sensitively.

This is where the professional interpretation, a language service that ensures understanding between speakers of different languages and adapts to each situation thanks to its various modalities.

Not all communication needs are the same: a multitudinous conference, a business negotiation, a online training session or a institutional press conference require different approaches to ensure smooth and effective communication.

In recent years, moreover, the remote interpretation It has revolutionized the sector, offering a flexible and digital alternative that breaks down geographical barriers and facilitates the organization of hybrid or virtual events without sacrificing linguistic quality.

In this ATLS guide we show you the main interpretation modalities, their features, advantages, and the contexts in which they are most appropriate, so you can identify the best solution for your company or organization.

Simultaneous interpreting

The simultaneous interpretation It is one of the best known and most widely used modalities internationally. It consists of the interpreter translating the speech into real time, at the same pace as the speaker, without interruptions or pauses. To achieve this, specialized technical equipment—such as soundproof booths, microphones, and receivers with headphones—is used, allowing interpreters to work in a focused manner while attendees listen to the translation in their own language.

This type of interpretation is essential in International congresses, academic conferences, political summits and large-scale corporate events, where people from different countries and languages participate. Thanks to its fluidity, communication is uninterrupted and the event can run as smoothly as if everyone shared a common language.

A variant of this modality is the infoport, a portable system that replaces the traditional booth with a mobile microphone and wireless receiver system. It's perfect for guided tours, internal training sessions, or small meetings where simultaneous interpretation is required without the need for complex infrastructure.

Main advantages of simultaneous translation:

Maxima speed and fluidity, since the translation occurs immediately.
Allows you to maintain the naturalness and rhythm of the original speech, avoiding unnecessary pauses.
Promotes the inclusion of large multilingual audiences without affecting the duration of the event.

When to use simultaneous translation?

Simultaneous interpretation is the best option when you need to translate for a large audience. real time, especially in contexts where immediacy and precision are crucial.

👉 Due to its effectiveness and versatility, simultaneous interpretation is one of the most popular modalities at international conferences and forums, establishing itself as the ideal solution for large-scale multilingual environments.

Consecutive interpreting

The consecutive interpretation It is a modality in which the interpreter listens attentively to the speaker's speech, takes strategic notes and reproduces the message in the target language when the speaker pauses. Unlike simultaneous interpretation, the speech is transmitted alternately, allowing the interpreter to offer a more detailed and nuanced translation.

This type of interpretation stands out for its precision and fidelity, since it not only transmits the verbal content, but also the cultural nuances, the speaker's intentions, and the emotional tone of the message. It is especially useful in contexts where clarity and accuracy take priority over immediacy.

Main advantages of consecutive interpretation:

Provides a high level of precision thanks to the use of note-taking and memory techniques.
Allows you to preserve the cultural and expressive nuances from the original speech.
It does not require complex technical equipment, which makes it easy to organize.

When to use consecutive interpretation?

Consecutive interpretation is the most appropriate option in press conferences, institutional meetings, political negotiations, court hearings or official events, where the accuracy and formality of the message are essential.

👉 Due to its ability to accurately convey both the content and the speaker's intention, consecutive interpretation is highly valued in diplomatic and professional environments that demand maximum seriousness and credibility.

Bilateral or liaison interpreting

The bilateral interpretation, also known as dialogue or liaison interpretation, is mainly used in contexts where communication takes place between two parties or in small groups. In this mode, the interpreter translates short phrases alternately, ensuring that each speaker understands what the other party is saying.

It is a form of interpretation dynamic and close, which facilitates direct dialogue and creates a more natural and fluid environment. Since it doesn't require technical equipment or booths, it's especially practical in professional, business, or institutional situations that demand agility and reliability.

Within this modality is also the telephone interpreting, which allows two or more interlocutors in different languages to connect through a call. It is a very effective solution in environments where immediacy is required, such as in hospitals, clinical trials or international assistance services.

Main advantages of bilateral or liaison interpretation:

Promotes the direct interaction between the speakers, without unnecessary interruptions.
Does not require technical equipment, which simplifies logistics and reduces costs.
It easily adapts to different contexts: from an interview to an inspection visit.

When to use bilateral or liaison interpretation?

Bilateral interpretation is ideal for business meetings, job interviews, negotiations, business visits or diplomatic meetings, where fluid and personalized communication is essential to generate trust and reach agreements.

👉 It is one of the most used modalities in B2B meetings and international trade missions, where every detail can make a difference in decision-making and the success of a negotiation.

Whispered interpreting

The whispered interpretation It is a modality that is characterized by its discreet and immediate character. In this case, the interpreter stands very close to the listener—usually one or two people—and quietly translates the speaker's speech, simultaneously and without interruptions.

This is a very useful technique in contexts where most attendees share the same language, but a minority requires translation. This way, you avoid interrupting the event while ensuring that all participants can follow the conversation.

Main advantages of whispered interpretation:

It is a modality discreet that does not interfere with the development of the act.
Offers a translation immediate and effective, maintaining the rhythm of the original speech.
Does not require technical teams nor complex logistical preparation.

Whispered interpretation is recommended in situations where only one or two people need translation, such as in Executive meetings, institutional events, board meetings, guided tours or specialized training sessions.

👉 Although not suitable for long events or large groups, it is a practical and flexible solution to ensure linguistic inclusion in small formal or corporate contexts.

Remote interpretation: the great revolution

The remote interpretation, known by its acronym in English RSI (Remote Simultaneous Interpreting), has been a true revolution in the world of multilingual communication. Thanks to technological advances and the expansion of digital platforms, this modality allows interpreters to work from anywhere in the world, connecting virtually at the same time as the event participants.

In practice, interpreters listen to the speaker's intervention through the online platform and transmit the translation live, just as they would in a face-to-face booth, but completely remotely. In this way, companies, institutions and organizations can organize virtual, hybrid or international events without the need to transport interpreters or assistants, which means significant cost savings and a significant optimization of resources.

Main advantages of remote interpretation:

Total flexibility, as interpreters and participants can connect from any location.
Significant cost reduction associated with travel, accommodation and technical logistics.
Global scalability, allowing for the organization of multilingual events with attendees spread across different countries.
Integration with digital platforms that facilitate interactivity, recording and broadcasting of the event.

When to use remote interpretation?

Remote interpreting is especially recommended in Webinars, hybrid conferences, international online congresses, global corporate meetings, online training sessions, and digital product launches, where the virtual format facilitates the participation of an international audience without geographical limits.

👉 Nowadays, remote interpreting is considered one of the most innovative and growing modalities, since it combines the linguistic quality of professional interpreters with the efficiency and versatility of advanced technology, offering a modern and accessible solution for global communication.

The interpretation your company needs

Each type of interpretation responds to very specific needs: the simultaneous It is perfect for large international events where immediacy is essential; the consecutive It is ideal in formal contexts that require precision and solemnity; the bilateral facilitates understanding in small meetings and negotiations; the whispered offers a discreet solution when only one or two listeners need translation; and the remote opens a world of possibilities in digital and hybrid scenarios, connecting global audiences without geographical barriers.

In ATLS we put at your disposal all these modalities of interpretation, adapted to the characteristics of your event and the objectives of your organization. Our team of professional interpreters, along with the most advanced technological support, ensures that your message arrives with clarity, precision and naturalness, always respecting cultural nuances and the communicative context.

Because in a world where communication is key to building trust and closing deals, having a expert partner in professional interpretation makes a difference.

👉 Trust ATLS and ensure your voice is heard in any language, anywhere in the world.

Interpreting service

Anabel Ruiz