In consecutive interpretation, the interpreter delivers the speech in the target language after the speaker has finished. If a speech is particularly long, the speaker and the interpreter may take turns, resulting in shorter interpreted segments.
Consecutive Interpreter for German and English
As a consecutive interpreter, I take notes during the speech to help me remember what was said. Equipment such as a sound-proof booth is not necessary. Consecutive interpreting lends itself to festive occasions, banquets or readings.
Because the interpretation can only be delivered after the speaker has finished, consecutive interpretation always entails a certain time lag and therefore lengthens the event as a whole. In order to avoid keeping listeners and speakers waiting, simultaneous interpretation usually is the better option if many or all speeches at an event are to be interpreted. This way, the participants’ patience is not tested and everything can run smoothly.