Consecutive interpreting

With consecutive interpreting the interpreter translates the speaker’s words little by little during brief pauses that the speaker deliberately makes. This form of interpreting increases the length of the event which can easily end up lasting twice as long. The interpreter also translates any questions the audience may have for the speaker and therefore needs to be a native speaker of the audience’s language and understand the language of the speaker to perfection.

This type of interpreting is typical of meetings, interviews, trials (sworn interpreting), and in general, events where the audience speaks a common language which is different from the speaker’s.

Consecutive interpreting is the classic type of interpreting, as well as being, for many, the most complicated from a human point of view. The interpreter requires a highly perfected note-taking technique as he/she will have to wait until the speaker pauses before being able to interpret what has been said. The audience has to pay greater attention if they are not to lose the thread of the meeting due to the many breaks in communication.

Sworn interpreting is a type of consecutive interpreting. The difference is that sworn interpreting is normally only used in court. Another difference is that the interpreter must be in possession of a sworn interpreting qualification from the authorities in the country in question.

To find out more about where we offer our consecutive interpreting services, see our interpreters by city page.