Interpreting services may fall into the following categories:
Consecutive interpreting
Consecutive interpreting consists in translating a speech or part of it (stopping midway) after the speaker has finished. The consecutive interpreter must speak the languages of the speaker and audience fluently in order to correctly translate their speech as well as any later questions and answers.
Simultaneous/conference interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting (also called conference interpreting) is one of the most difficult because it requires a higher professional capacity than normal consecutive interpreting. The interpreter translates a speech in real time (business meetings, conferences, company presentations, business negotiations, round tables). The audience can follow the speeches through with headphones and without pauses or interruptions.
Whispered interpreting
Whispered interpreting, also called chuchotage (from French, “chuchoter”, meaning “to whisper”), is a variant of simultaneous interpretation. The interpreter sits next to the listeners, translating for them in a low, whispered voice.