# Consecutive Interpretation
Source: https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/faq/interpreting/consecutive-interpretation/
Clear dialogue through accurately interpreted segments
A consecutive interpreter follows the speaker in complete units of meaning, takes notes and renders each segment in the other language for everyone present.
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Consecutive interpretation is a form of interpreting in which the speaker pauses after a complete thought and the interpreter then renders it in the other language. While listening, the interpreter analyses the meaning and takes concise notes rather than writing the speech word for word. The message is then reproduced with the appropriate terminology, tone and logical connections. The conversation therefore proceeds in distinct language segments, so those present can clearly follow when the participant speaks and when the interpreter delivers the interpretation.
This format is particularly suitable for business negotiations, interviews, small-group training, press briefings, presentations, site visits and appointments with a notary or public authority. It also works well for accompanying interpretation when conversations take place at several locations and direct interaction is important. In a bilateral meeting, the interpreter may work in both language directions, following questions and answers while preserving personal contact between the participants.
Time planning matters because the original contribution and the interpretation are heard one after the other. The programme is generally longer than the same event in one language, but the exact difference depends on the length of each segment, the speaker's pace, the number of questions and the complexity of the subject. Short, complete units of meaning keep the exchange natural. During longer speeches, structured notes help the interpreter retain names, figures, links between arguments and the speaker's intended emphasis.
A small, quiet meeting will often require neither an interpreting booth nor a headset system. A microphone and suitable sound reinforcement may nevertheless be needed in a larger room, a noisy setting, or where the proceedings are recorded or streamed. The interpreter must hear the speaker clearly and be audible to the whole audience. Position in the room, a clear view of presentations and access to the participants are practical parts of the arrangement rather than minor technical details.
Advance information supports accurate and confident delivery. An agenda, participants' names and roles, presentations, specialised terms, figures and product names give the interpreter essential context. Legal, medical, financial or technical discussions call for a professional with relevant experience. For a long, intensive or multilingual assignment, the team is determined by the schedule, language directions and on-site conditions instead of a fixed formula applied to every event.
The strength of consecutive interpretation is the direct contact it preserves and the opportunity for each contribution to be heard in both languages. It is less suited to an uninterrupted multilingual programme for a large audience where pauses would disrupt the pace; simultaneous interpretation may then be the better format. La Fit Trans assesses the purpose of the meeting, audience size, languages, duration, venue and subject in order to provide a consecutive interpreter and an arrangement matched to the actual event.
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## More questions on this topic
### [Types of interpretation](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/faq/interpreting/types-of-interpretation/)
Types of interpretation differ primarily in the rhythm in which speech is rendered into another language. Participant numbers, language directions, venue and connection method also matter. A conference, accompaniment...
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### [How can I make a request for interpretation?](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/faq/interpreting/how-can-i-make-a-request-for-interpretation/)
An interpreting enquiry can be sent through the La Fit Trans client platform, by email, by phone or through an office in the network. The client does not have to decide at the first contact whether consecutive,...
[More information](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/faq/interpreting/how-can-i-make-a-request-for-interpretation/)
### [What information should I provide when requesting for an interpreter?](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/faq/interpreting/what-information-should-i-provide-when-requesting-for-an-interpreter/)
Information about an interpreting assignment supports two connected assessments: which format fits the event and what team, preparation and technical environment it requires. An initial description can include only the...
[More information](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/faq/interpreting/what-information-should-i-provide-when-requesting-for-an-interpreter/)
### [What is the most appropriate interpretation for my event?](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/faq/interpreting/what-is-the-most-appropriate-interpretation-for-my-event/)
The most appropriate interpreting format is not determined by audience size alone. The decisive factors are how the exchange unfolds, the languages participants need to speak and hear, whether the programme can...
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### [How far in advance should I call to request interpretation?](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/faq/interpreting/how-far-in-advance-should-i-call-to-request-interpretation/)
There is no single universal minimum lead time for requesting an interpreter. An earlier enquiry widens the choice of suitable professionals and leaves time to coordinate the programme, preparation and equipment. A date...
[More information](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/faq/interpreting/how-far-in-advance-should-i-call-to-request-interpretation/)
### [How much does interpreting cost?](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/faq/interpreting/how-much-does-interpreting-cost/)
Interpreting does not carry one identical price for every meeting or event. A quotation is prepared after the language combination, format, date, venue and overall duration have been clarified. The relevant time is the...
[More information](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/faq/interpreting/how-much-does-interpreting-cost/)
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