Simultaneous interpreting is intended for larger audiences. It tends to take place at various lectures, congresses, or conferences, which is why it is often referred to as conference interpreting. In other words, simultaneous interpreting is a real-time service. It requires the ability of simultaneous listening and interpreting, since simultaneous or conference interpreters listen to the speaker at the same time as they interpret the speech into the target language. To ensure that the simultaneous interpreting is of high quality, it is necessary to create an environment that eliminates all external influences that could interfere with the interpreters' work. Moreover, they must not be distracted in order to be able to fully concentrate on their work. Interpreters are expected to possess excellent knowledge of the foreign language from and into which they are translating, with particular emphasis on terminology. Simultaneous interpreting is the most suitable type of interpreting for organized meetings, be they lectures, video conferences, symposiums, congresses, and similar events intended for a large audience. Since the interpreter listens to the native speaker and interprets in real time, the process requires utmost concentration. For this very reason, simultaneous interpreters often work in pairs so that they can take turns at shorter intervals while maintaining a strong focus and translation quality. Conference interpreters are often placed in specially equipped and partitioned interpreting booths. Participants select a channel of the language they understand and usually listen through headphones. The greatest advantage of simultaneous or conference interpreting involves saving time, as it is performed in real time.
Consecutive interpreting is a type of real-time translation where the interpreter listens to a native speaker and then interprets their speech word for word into another language following the natural flow of speech. Consecutive interpreting is most commonly seen in the courtroom, where the interpreter sits behind the speaker, listens to them, and then proceeds to translate aloud into the target language. Consecutive interpreting is also found in business situations when two speakers sit across from each other speaking in their native language while they converse. The interpreter listens to the conversation and then interprets the words into the other person's language. This can be done out loud or with headphones so as not to disturb the conversation, according to the client's wishes. Consecutive interpreting is most effective in situations where two speakers of different languages are participating in the conversation. For example, consecutive interpreting is most often used during medical appointments where both the doctor and the patient speak two different languages. It is also used in legal and business settings when the two parties involved each need to speak in their own language. Consecutive interpreting is also commonly used in conference calls when a third party is involved. Native speakers often prefer consecutive interpreting because they feel more comfortable speaking in their native language. The person receiving the interpreting can also ask the speaker questions without interrupting the flow of the conversation. Consecutive Interpreting can also be done remotely using a software that converts audio to text and then translates the text into another language. This can be useful for large conference calls or meetings but is not very effective for live conversations.