Consecutive Interpreting FAQ ~ London Translations

Contents

What is the definition of Consecutive Interpreting?
When are Consecutive Interpreters used?
What do I need to be aware of when hiring a Consecutive Interpreter?
What background information should I supply?
Why hire your Consecutive Interpreter from London Translations?

Consecutive Interpreting defined

"Listen before talk" interpreting services for business meetings and smaller groups. One person speaks and then pauses; one or many people listen whilst the consecutive interpreter repeats what has been said in the target language. Unlike Simultaneous Interpreting, Consecutive Interpreting does not happen in real time.

Consecutive Interpreting is the most popular type of interpreting as it does not require any specialist equipment or complex planning. It is also considerably cheaper than Simultaneous Interpreting.

Less demanding than Simultaneous Interpreting, the speaker delivers a few sentences and then pauses whilst your interpreter repeats what has just been said in the target language. The interpreter may interpret for the whole group or, as is becoming increasingly common, sit next to an individual and whisper what has just been said. The main differences between Consecutive Interpreting and Simultaneous Interpreting are that specialist equipment is not required and the interpreting is not real-time.

Tip: Have you considered conducting your meeting via teleconference or video conference as opposed to face to face? Consecutive Interpreting lends itself very well to these formats and can result in dramatic savings in cost and executive downtime. London Translations will be pleased to arrange your teleconference, no specialist equipment is required.

Consecutive Interpreters - examples of use

• After dinner speech by head of foreign affiliate addressing English target audience. Interpreter will listen to the speech and repeat what has just been said in English.
• Visit by foreign delegation to a factory in the UK. English Manager explains how machines work to a small group of foreign executives. Interpreter accompanies the group and interprets what has just been said.
• Presentation by UK marketing department to international sales team.

Hiring a Consecutive Interpreter - things to be aware of

Think of an interpreter as someone who has just joined your company to start a new job. There will undoubtedly be acronyms, technical terms and politics which will be unfamiliar to the interpreter. Briefing him or her on such issues before the assignment will lead to a far more satisfactory day for all involved.

Interpreters will always find it useful if you can provide some background information about the company and its products well ahead of the assignment. Provide drafts of speeches and explain any specialist vocabulary.

Why hire your Consecutive Interpreter from London Translations?

1. Track record: We've been arranging Consecutive Interpreting assignments for over a decade and are committed to using this experience to help make your event a resounding success.
2. Experience: All Consecutive Interpreters supplied by London Translations have a minimum of 3 years experience.
3. Personal service: We're passionate about providing the very highest levels of personal service. We are here to help you in any way we can.
4. Local presence, global reach: A single point of contact in London through which you can arrange Consecutive Interpreting services for events anywhere in the world.
5. Security: The security of dealing with a company registered and based in the UK.
6. One stop shop: We handle Consecutive Interpreting assignments in all western language needs plus bring in-depth knowledge of Asian and East European business and languages.
7. Quality: All Consecutive Interpreting services are backed by our 30 day money back guarantee. If you are not happy, you don't pay. It's as simple as that.