Consecutive interpreting consists in conveying what the speaker says by repeating sections of the speech in the target language. In order to do so, the speaker needs to make pauses, letting the interpreter translate what has been said. Usually the speaker pauses every five minutes.
In order to assure accuracy, the interpreter might recur to specialized note-taking techniques, writing down important details while the original segment is being uttered.
Unlike the simultaneous mode, consecutive interpreting does not call for specialized equipment such as wireless transmitters and soundproof booths. This is why it is usually less expensive. However, consecutive interpreting is a time-consuming process, as speech has to be repeated in the target language and this doubles the duration of the event.
This interpreting mode is best fit for:
- Interviews
- Press conferences
- Business meetings under 2 hours
- Working lunches
We have two option for consecutive interpreting services:
- Professional consecutive interpreter: a trained professional fluent in both languages and used to high-profile tasks.
- Language mediator: A bilingual professional without specialized training, the ideal choice for events and meetings that do not require the use of specialized terminology.
Liaison (Business) Interpreting
Liaison interpreting is the ideal mode for a small group of people speaking different languages. In liaison interpreting the linguist translates what is being said every few sentences, or sometimes whispering.
The difference between business/liaison interpreting and consecutive interpreting is in the length of the translated segment. With more frequent pauses, the interpreter also does not need to take notes.
As in consecutive interpreting, this mode does not call for specialized hardware, but the interpreter speaks while sitting close to the person speaking and translating the message seconds after is has been uttered.
This mode is a great choice for interviews or business meetings with clients or suppliers, with groups of five people or less. For bigger groups, simultaneous interpreting is the norm.