Clever Voices

Consecutive Interpreting

The term consecutive means sequential, or successive, and expresses the idea that the interpreter speaks after the source language speaker has finished speaking. The speech is divided into segments, and the interpreter sits or stands beside the source-language speaker, listening and taking notes as the speaker progresses through his or her talk. When the speaker pauses or finishes speaking, the interpreter then renders the entire message in the target language.

Consecutive interpreting is often used on ceremonial occasions (e.g. after-dinner speeches or receptions), during bilateral meetings of heads of states or government or at cultural events such as readings by authors or film premières. It is also used for speeches in general, depositions, recorded statements, witness testimonies in court, and medical and job interviews.

The advantage of consecutive interpreting is that all participants can listen to the presentation in each language and no equipment is required.