Interpreting is not one single service. The right kind depends on how many people are taking part, how long it lasts and whether everyone is in the same room.
Consecutive interpreting
The speaker pauses every few sentences and the interpreter then renders what was said. No equipment is needed, and it is the usual choice for medical appointments, legal meetings, interviews and small business meetings. It takes longer, because everything is said twice.
Simultaneous interpreting
The interpreter speaks at the same time as the speaker, usually from a booth, and listeners hear the interpretation through headsets. It suits conferences and events where many people are listening. Because it is so demanding, interpreters normally work in pairs for anything longer than a short session, and the equipment needs to be arranged in advance.
Whispered interpreting
A form of simultaneous interpreting without equipment: the interpreter sits beside one or two listeners and interprets quietly. It works for a short meeting or a visit, but not for a large audience.
Sight translation
The interpreter reads a document aloud in the other language, for example a letter, a form or a statement before it is signed. It is useful in the moment, but documents that need to be kept or submitted should be translated in writing.