Simultaneous interpreting and remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI)
Simultaneous interpreters speak just seconds behind the original speaker, so a multilingual audience can follow a live event without pauses, whether they are in the room or joining online.
Simultaneous interpreting is the right choice when time is tight and the flow of a session cannot be interrupted. It can be delivered from a booth with headsets, by whispered interpreting (chuchotage) for one or two listeners, which is common in court hearings, with portable interpreting equipment for courtrooms and site visits, or remotely through a remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI) platform.
With RSI, interpreters work from professional remote set-ups and their audio is streamed to participants, who choose their language from a dedicated channel. Our interpreters can also work through the language interpretation features in major video-conferencing platforms. RSI removes the need for booths and interpreter travel and makes interpreting available to audiences wherever they are.
Because RSI depends on sound quality, our technical support team helps with speaker audio, platform configuration and rehearsals, and our project managers coordinate the interpreter teams for each language channel.
Why choose SILA Linguists for simultaneous and rsi
Real time, no pauses
Speakers talk naturally while listeners hear the interpretation almost immediately, keeping the agenda on schedule.
Remote, hybrid or on site
Interpreting can be delivered from a booth at the venue, from remote locations through RSI, or as a combination for hybrid events. We supply booths, consoles, receivers and headsets where they are needed.
Language channels
Online attendees select their language from a separate audio channel and can switch at any time.
Platform integration
RSI can run on a dedicated interpreting platform or through the interpretation features of major video-conferencing tools.
Paired interpreters
Interpreters typically work in pairs and alternate every 20 to 30 minutes to keep accuracy high over longer sessions.
Technical support and rehearsals
We help check speaker microphones, connections and channel settings before going live.
Simultaneous interpreting and RSI from SILA Linguists® for live, hybrid and online events
Simultaneous interpreting lets an audience hear a speaker in their own language a few seconds behind the original, so a meeting keeps its rhythm. SILA Linguists® provides simultaneous interpreters for international board meetings in financial services, town halls for global teams in technology, live broadcasts and festival events in media, project briefings in energy and multilingual consultations in the public sector. In court and tribunal proceedings for the legal sector, a single interpreter can whisper simultaneously to a defendant or witness.
Remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI) carries the same service online: interpreters work from professional set-ups and their audio is delivered through your webinar or meeting platform, so delegates can join from anywhere without booths or travel. For hybrid events we combine on-site booths with remote channels. Our simultaneous interpreters cover major conference languages such as French, Spanish, Italian, German and Arabic, as well as Turkish, Ukrainian, Farsi and Kurdish, among the 350+ languages SILA Linguists® works with across the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Interpreters always work in pairs or teams for longer sessions, swapping at regular intervals so concentration and accuracy stay high from the opening keynote to the last question from the floor.
Live interpreting is one part of a multilingual event. We can handle conference interpreting logistics end to end, translate slides, scripts and briefing packs through our document translation team, including certified translation where documents are signed, and turn recordings into time-stamped transcription or subtitles afterwards. Every interpreter works under NDA, and recordings and attendee data are handled under UK GDPR.
Step by step
Scope the event
Share your format, platform, languages, timings and expected audience, plus any materials for interpreters.
Teams and set-up
We assign paired interpreters for each language and agree the delivery method: booth, whispered, portable equipment or RSI.
Rehearsal
For remote and hybrid events we run a technical check with speakers and interpreters before the event.
Live delivery
Interpreters deliver the session in real time while our project manager and technical support monitor the event.
Frequently asked questions
What is remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI)?
RSI is simultaneous interpreting delivered by interpreters who are not at the venue. Their audio is streamed through a platform so that online or in-room participants can listen in their own language.
Can RSI work with our video-conferencing platform?
Often, yes. Several major video-conferencing platforms include language interpretation features, and dedicated RSI platforms are available for larger events. We will advise on the best option for your event.
What is whispered interpreting?
Also called chuchotage, it is simultaneous interpreting spoken quietly to one or two listeners sitting next to the interpreter, without equipment. It suits small meetings and is widely used in court hearings, where the interpreter sits beside the defendant or witness. If a few more people need to listen, or the room is noisy, we provide portable equipment with a microphone and receivers.
Do speakers need to do anything differently?
Speakers should use a good microphone, speak at a natural pace and share slides or scripts in advance. Clear audio is the single biggest factor in RSI quality.
Tell us the language, the format and the date
Our bookings team will confirm the details with you and arrange the right linguist. Have the language (and dialect, if you know it), the type of assignment and the date ready.