Your translators and interpreters
In consecutive interpreting, the speakers and the interpreter speak in turn. Unlike simultaneous interpreting, where the interpreter speaks at the same time as the speaker, the consecutive interpreter waits until the speaker has finished a phrase or a part of a speech before they convey the meaning in the target language.
Read on to find out more about how and where consecutive interpreting is used, or let us advise you directly on your project!
In contrast to simultaneous interpreting, which was only invented after the Second World War, “classic” interpreting is very old; in fact, it is mentioned in the Bible:
And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.
The process could hardly be simpler: while a person is speaking, the interpreter takes notes. Then the speaker pauses, and the interpreter translates what has been said into the target language. All very straightforward, isn’t it?
In fact, consecutive interpreters not only have to be proficient in the source and target languages. They also need to be familiar with the subject matter in order to fully grasp the content and convey it appropriately. They have to be able to speak spontaneously and phrase the translation clearly and fluently. And another skill that is often underestimated: they should continuously monitor the conversation and contribute when necessary, for example to clear up misunderstandings.
Interpreting is as varied as communication itself. Whenever people are speaking, it may be necessary to translate what is being said into another language. But when is which method useful? Here are some examples of common situations and possible solutions. Ultimately, however, whether a consecutive interpreter is the best option for you depends on your specific requirements and needs – which is why we offer an initial consultation free of charge. Just tell us what you have in mind and we will suggest suitable solutions.
Negotiatings are usually interpreted consecutively. This is not only because the premises are often not designed for the use of interpreting equipment. Rather, negotiations are always personal; you need to hear the voice of your counterpart to be able to assess the situation. This is difficult with simultaneous interpreting, as you hear the translation through headphones (or whispered by the interpreter) while your negotiation partner is still speaking.
The same applies to delegation visits. The interpreter must be able to grasp the nuances of the language and the different points of view of the members of the delegation and to reproduce them accurately, without losing their personality.
In addition, an interpreter who is with you at the negotiation table can provide more than just the correct translation; they will be in a perfect position to closely observe the participants and to provide feedback on their reactions and state of mind.
In the case of workshops, seminars, or training sessions, the choice of interpreting mode depends heavily on the format, the number of participants, and the objectives. For big events with a large number of attendees, a presentation-heavy program, or the need for interpretation into several languages, simultaneous interpreting is the better solution. For smaller events with a lot of interaction or practical exercises, you are often better off with consecutive interpreters. And sometimes a hybrid approach is possible; for example, you might want to have simultaneous interpreting for the keynote speeches, then have the interpreters join the individual breakout groups and work in consecutive mode.
Conferences almost always use simultaneous interpretation. The reason is very simple: time. If you have a six-hour program of speaking sessions, it would take 12 hours with consecutive interpretation. A possible exception is when you have a few foreign-language contributions in an otherwise monolingual program; but even in this case, simultaneous interpretation is the more common solution.
At press conferences, interviews, and other public appearances, both simultaneous and consecutive interpreting is used. The best approach depends on the situation and your priorities:
You may have heard or used the term “consecutive translation.” While professionals speak of “consecutive interpreting” because “translation” generally refers to work done on written material, the meaning is clear. The important thing is for us to understand your needs and find the right solution for your multilingual communication. Whether at lectures, negotiations, or business meetings, our experienced team of interpreters will ensure that your message is received just as accurately and effectively in other languages.