Simultaneous interpreting is used for international conferences, critical business discussions, seminars & symposiums. In this case, there are usually two to three interpreters situated in a booth, away from the audience, who take turns to interpret at high speed, changing over every 15-20 minutes to avoid fatigue.

The interpreters use headsets to listen to the message of the speaker and repeat it immediately (practically "simultaneously") in the target language for the benefit of relevant audience members.

Consecutive interpreting is the most common type of interpreting. It is used for business discussions, negotiations, contract exchanges, commercial, legal, technical discussions, medical or court hearings or on site inspections. The interpreter listens to the speaker, often making notes, and delivers the meaning in the target language afterwards. The interpreter may wait until a pause or the end, at which point they deliver a translation relatively quickly. Consecutive interpreting may also be used at conferences for panel discussions, Q&A sessions or private discussions between parties - at a stand or elsewhere.

Facilitating interpreting is used to assist clients who require only limited assistance in the source language.

They may need technical or especially complex terminology to be interpreted into their native tongue  to avoid misunderstandings but are in general comfortable listening and speaking to the source language without aid. The interpreter stands by to support the client when he/she requires communication assistance.  

Telephone interpreting allows parties who are not able to meet in person to communication via telephone or video conferencing. The interpreter bridges the language gap via the telephone.

Sometimes the interpreter is present in one of the two locations, and sometimes he/she is also remotely located.