There are two categories of interpretation: consecutive interpretation and simultaneous interpretation.

Simultaneous interpretation refers to it that interpreters listen and interpret when the speaker is speaking. It has three approaches:

I. Electrically transmitted interpretation
By using electrical equipment, the interpreter receives the speaker’s voice and interprets for the audience with microphone.

II. Whisper interpretation
The interpreter translates for nearby audience in a low voice. This way applies normally to one audience or no more than three audiences.

III. Reading interpretation
With this method, the interpreter reads to the audience in a different language directly or with a microphone what is written in the paper script. It is a special kind of interpretation.

Simultaneous interpretation is different from consecutive interpretation. In the former case, the interpreter cannot predict the words of the speaker. When interpreting to the audience what is heard, the time difference between the interpreter and speaker is that of half a sentence. So, the interpreter cannot control the whole translated text. But for consecutive interpretation, translation is made after the whole text or a complete sense group is finished. In this case, the interpreter can compress or summarize, add and delete faltering and repetitive words. For this reason, generally the quality of consecutive interpretation is better than that of simultaneous interpretation.

Conference organizers decide which method to adopt for a given international conference. Sometimes, they also ask for the interpreters’ advice. Which method to follow depends on these factors:

1．Simultaneous interpretation doesn’t take the conference time. But for consecutive
       interpretation, conference time will be occupied. Therefore, time is a determining
       factor of which method to use.

2．For consecutive interpretation, only two languages or no more than three languages
       can be used. Three languages are used only if the interpreter can magnificently compress
       the source language. Normally, electrical equipment is needed for interpretation of more
       than two languages simultaneously. Hence, which method to use depends on the types of
       working languages.

3．For the same conference, both simultaneous and consecutive interpretations can
       be used. For plenary session, when the speakers read scripts, simultaneous interpretation
       can be used. But for conference debate or group discussions, whisper interpretation can be
       used for only a number of audiences.

4．Simultaneous interpretation needs to be facilitated by electrical equipment, while
       consecutive interpretation doesn’t need any equipment. So, which method to use
       depends on the situation of the meeting room.