Consecutive interpreting

Consecutive interpretation consists in rendering in another language the speaker's words after he has spoken. During the original speech, the interpreter takes notes that will help him to faithfully and fully reproduce the speech in the other language. The duration of the interpreted words is very variable: from one minute to 15 or even 30 minutes. The good average is to let the interpreter speak every 5 to 10 minutes: this way, we do not tire the audience, as the interpreter has well-structured developments, useful for a good consecutive interpretation. Note taking by the interpreter is not shorthand; there is no system of notes for consecutive interpretation. Each interpreter notes in his own way, and he would be unable to read the notes taken by a colleague. The notes play a role of aide-memoire and allow the interpreter not to lose the thread of reasoning developed. They are reduced to a few key words and the sequence of the argumentation. The interpreter notes and translates not what he hears, but what he understands.