Simultaneous interpretation is performed live, taking place in real time, while the speaker is speaking, in as many target languages as required. Specific equipment is required for onsite (soundproof booths or portable tour guide systems), and technology solutions supporting language interpretation are required for remote.
In consecutive interpretation, the interpreter listens to the speaker while taking notes and reproduces the speech in the target language, after the speaker has finished speaking. No specific equipment or technology is required.
A third option known as business, liaison or community interpreting consists of sentence-by-sentence interpretation (consecutive) for 1:1 interactions or multilingual conversations in small groups. No specific equipment or technology is required.