A Guide to Consecutive Interpretation: Process, Uses, and Tips

Interpretation usually falls into one of two categories – simultaneous or consecutive.

Simultaneous interpretation occurs when an interpreter is in a soundproof booth, typically at a large event. They speak through a microphone, and the recipient hears the interpretation in their own language via a headset.

Simultaneous interpretation is what you’d see at a large conference or the United Nations. It’s a live environment with people listening to the content in multiple languages at the same time.

Consecutive interpretation is more likely what you’d come across for day-to-day business meetings and interactions with foreign partners, customers, and suppliers.

As a Language Services Provider (LSP), it represents the bulk of what we’re asked to do for our clients when it comes to interpretation.

So, what is consecutive interpretation, and what do you need to know about the process?

By the end of this blog post, you’ll have an answer to both of those questions and will be in a better position when you talk to your LSP about your interpretation needs.

What is Consecutive Interpretation?

Consecutive interpretation is when an interpreter listens to one person say a few sentences in their own language and then interprets those words to another person in that person’s native language.

On the face of it, it’s as simple as that. The interpreter is a communication liaison between two people who don’t understand a common language.

A Consecutive Interpreter's Skillset

The interpreter needs to be not only a skilled linguist, but they have to have an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter or industry that’s being discussed.

They need to know the nuances of the industry, the terminology, the abbreviations and everything else that goes into an accurate interpretation.

Linguists who specialize in consecutive interpretation have strong information retention skills, as they have to listen to a segment of what’s being said and then repeat that back in the next language.

However, if they need clarity, they can ask for it ,as the environment is controlled by two parties, unlike typical simultaneous interpretation settings.

Common Uses of Consecutive Interpretation

Consecutive interpretation can be used for both business and personal reasons. Here are the most frequent times that we get called on for help by our clients:

Business meetings – It accommodates business meetings of all sizes, from one-to-one encounters to rooms of 20 or more.
Training – It helps training and workshops to be delivered to multi-lingual employees.
Press conferences and media – It facilitates media encounters in a controlled question-and-answer process.
Legal proceedings – It can be used when issues need to be accurately discussed or go “on the record.”
Medical appointments – It can play a vital role in ensuring patients get correct treatment from medical and healthcare providers.

A Few Things to Bear in Mind

Consecutive interpretation is great for the situations listed above. Still, if you’re using it, there are a few things you should be aware of to make the process go smoothly.

It’s a conversation, but not a normal one. What we mean is that you’ll have to be ready to deliver what you’re saying in bite-size chunks so the interpreter can do their job.

This can feel unnatural and disjointed, but take comfort from the fact that both parties will be experiencing the same feeling.

Fast paced or high-pressure environments are tougher for consecutive interpreters. It’s a mentally tiring process and when they’re required it’s usually best to allow a bit more time for a meeting or presentation than usual.

And lastly, ask your LSP for a bit of detail on your interpreter and give them a brief on what clothing they should wear. Is the meeting in a board room, or will they be walking around having a tour of a factory?

We’re always conscious that the interpreter is representing your brand or business, so their appearance and how they act at all times is important and we want it to reflect positively on you.

Simple as That

And there you have it…the basic ins and outs of consecutive interpretation. It’s an incredibly useful, and often necessary, tool for businesses in the global marketplace.

It requires a bit of preparation and thought, but lean on your LSP to help you with this as they should have a roster of good linguists ready to help.

Now that you’re armed with a bit of knowledge about the process, hopefully you’ll feel in a stronger position when you need to bridge the gap between English and whatever language is going to help your business go to the next level.

If you have consecutive interpretation needs, we’d love to see if we’re the right fit for you. At LinguaLinx, we can help you bring your brand or products to another country, culture or community.

Consultations are free and there’s no obligation. You’re in safe hands with us as we’re ISO 17100 and ISO 9001 compliant, have over twenty years of professional translation experience, and have earned the trust of organizations around the world.