Depending on the situation, on-site interpreting can be delivered in different ways to ensure the most effective communication methods are used.

There are three main modes of interpreting. These are:

Consecutive Interpreting

This involves the interpreter converting the words of the first language into the other, directly after the first language is spoken. This is the most common mode of interpreting.

Simultaneous Interpreting

This mode is considered a harder mode of interpreting and involves the interpreter continuously interpreting from the source language into the target language as the source speaker is speaking. Usually, a Simultaneous Interpreter sits in a soundproof booth and has many years of experience. This mode is commonly used in conferences.

Whispered Interpreting, a rare mode of interpreting

Also known as 'chuchotage' in French, is literally whispered interpreting. This mode is used when the majority of people in a large group share the same language and only one or two people do not; in this case the interpreter whispers the target language in order not to disturb the group.