Whispering

Whispering for Prince Charles during his official visit to Austria in April 2017. Copyright: Bernhard ELBE LPD Wien.

Whispering for Prince Charles during his official visit to Austria in April 2017. Copyright: Bernhard ELBE LPD Wien.

Whispering, also known for its French name chuchotage, is the third interpreting mode available. The term is slightly misleading because the interpreter doesn’t really whisper (that would be too strenuous on her voice), but she will deliver the interpretation in a low voice directly to the ears of her listeners. Given this limiting set-up, whispering is rarely used and is only adequate for an audience of a two or three. Whispering is done simultaneously, but without any technical equipment.