Simultaneous

In simultaneous mode, the interpreter sits in a booth with a clear view of the meeting room and the speaker and listens to and simultaneously interprets the speech into a target language. Simultaneous interpreting requires a booth (fixed or mobile) that meets ISO standards of acoustic isolation, dimensions, air quality and accessibility as well as appropriate equipment (headphones, microphones).

Consecutive

The interpreter providing consecutive interpretation sits at the same table with the delegates or at the speaker's platform and interprets a speech into the target language after the speaker speaks. The length of the speeches varies.

Note-taking is an essential element of consecutive interpreting. It consists of noting on paper the logic and structure of a speech in order to help the interpreter remember the contents of the speech. Note-taking is a singularly individual exercise: some interpreters use a lot of symbols, while others prefer drawings and still others restrict themselves to certain words. The amount of detail noted down also varies considerably, as does the choice of notepad, the language in which the notes are taken, etc.

Whispering

Whispering is an interpreting mode whereby the interpreter is seated next to one or two meeting participants and whispers the interpretation of the speech. This mode is used mainly when only very few people need interpretation. Whispering is not recommended when there are more than two listeners or when several interpreters need to work at the same time in the same room (since this could create too much noise and is as unpleasant for the interpreters as for the audience). A team working in this mode requires at least two interpreters. Since this technique is hard on the vocal chords, it is only appropriate for very short meetings.