12 Mistakes New Consecutive Interpreters Should Avoid

Consecutive interpreting is one of the most demanding forms of language interpretation, requiring a unique skill set and a deep understanding of both the source and target languages. While it’s an essential service for conferences, legal proceedings, and even medical settings, many new interpreters often make mistakes that can affect the quality of their work. In this blog, we will dive deep into the 12 most common mistakes new consecutive interpreters should avoid. These insights will help you not only improve your interpreting skills but also enhance the accuracy and fluency of your interpretations.

So, whether you're just starting in the field or looking to sharpen your skills, this guide will serve as an essential tool to help you navigate the complexities of consecutive interpreting.

What is Consecutive Interpreting?

Before we dive into the mistakes, let’s briefly understand what consecutive interpreting is. Consecutive interpreting is when an interpreter listens to a speaker, then renders the speech into another language after the speaker has finished speaking. This is different from simultaneous interpreting, where the interpreter translates the speech in real time.

Consecutive interpreting can involve speeches, interviews, meetings, and legal proceedings. The key challenge lies in remembering what has been said and delivering it accurately and fluently in the target language.

Consecutive Interpreting Example

Let’s illustrate a simple example. Imagine a lawyer interviewing a witness in a courtroom. The lawyer speaks in English, and the interpreter listens attentively, taking notes. Once the lawyer finishes the sentence or paragraph, the interpreter then conveys the message to the witness in Spanish, ensuring that no meaning is lost and that the tone remains consistent.

1. Not Listening Actively

One of the most critical skills an interpreter must possess is active listening. However, many new interpreters make the mistake of focusing too much on their notes or getting lost in the details. Remember, you need to listen to the speaker's tone, emotion, and intentions, not just the words. This will help you interpret with the right nuance and emphasis.

Tip: Practice listening without the intention to interpret. This helps to train your brain to focus on meaning rather than just words.

2. Neglecting to Take Effective Notes

Consecutive interpreters must take effective notes during speeches or conversations to remember key points. Many new interpreters make the mistake of either writing too much or too little, both of which can negatively impact the accuracy of their interpretation.

Tip: Learn a concise note-taking technique that works for you, focusing on key words, phrases, and structures that will trigger your memory.

3. Overloading Yourself with Information

New interpreters often try to memorise everything they hear, which can lead to information overload. Instead of interpreting efficiently, you might find yourself struggling to recall every detail. This results in fragmented and inaccurate interpretations.

Tip: Don’t try to memorise everything. Focus on the core message and the essential facts, and let your notes guide you when necessary.

4. Forgetting to Use the Context

Context plays a huge role in interpretation, especially when it comes to idiomatic expressions, humour, and specialised jargon. New interpreters may overlook the context and fail to provide an accurate translation, which can lead to misunderstandings.

Tip: Always analyse the context before interpreting, including the speaker's cultural background, the audience, and the setting. Context will guide your interpretation choices.

5. Skipping the Preparation Process

Preparation is key to ensuring the success of a consecutive interpreting session. Many new interpreters skip this step, believing that they can interpret on the fly. However, inadequate preparation can result in mistakes and lack of clarity during the interpretation.

Tip: Always prepare by reviewing any materials related to the topic or speaker. Familiarise yourself with technical terms or concepts that might come up.

6. Not Matching Tone and Style

A common mistake is failing to match the tone and style of the original speaker. If a speaker is formal, the interpreter must be formal. If the speaker is humourous, the interpreter should convey that humour, to a degree, in the target language.

Tip: Pay attention to the speaker’s tone, body language, and overall style. Your interpretation should reflect those same qualities to preserve the message accurately.

7. Getting Too Literal

While accuracy is crucial, new interpreters often make the mistake of translating word-for-word, without considering the flow or structure of the target language. This can result in awkward or unnatural-sounding translations that fail to convey the intended meaning.

Tip: Focus on meaning rather than literal translation. Aim for a fluid interpretation that sounds natural and captures the essence of the speaker's message.

8. Lack of Confidence in Interpreting

Confidence plays a huge role in consecutive interpreting. New interpreters may hesitate or second-guess themselves, which affects the fluency and quality of the interpretation.

Tip: Trust your skills and preparation. Even if you don’t remember every word, focus on delivering a coherent and accurate message.

9. Ignoring Feedback

Feedback from clients or colleagues is invaluable. However, new interpreters may avoid seeking or responding to feedback, assuming they are already doing a good job. This prevents growth and improvement.

Tip: Always be open to feedback and see it as an opportunity to learn and improve your interpreting skills.

10. Underestimating Fatigue

Consecutive interpreting can be mentally exhausting. Many new interpreters push themselves too hard and forget to take breaks. This leads to fatigue, which can impair their ability to interpret accurately.

Tip: Recognise the signs of mental fatigue and take breaks when needed. This will help you maintain peak performance throughout the session.

11. Overlooking Cultural Differences

Cultural sensitivity is vital in consecutive interpreting. Interpreters should not only be familiar with the languages involved but also with the cultural norms and practices that influence communication. New interpreters may fail to grasp subtle cultural nuances, leading to inaccurate or inappropriate translations.

Tip: Invest time in understanding the cultures of the languages you interpret. This knowledge will help you provide more accurate and contextually appropriate interpretations.

12. Mismanaging Time

Time management is crucial in consecutive interpreting, especially in conferences or formal meetings. New interpreters may struggle to manage the time effectively, either by interpreting too quickly or not efficiently summarising what was said.

Tip: Practice pacing your interpretations. Be concise without losing the essential message.

Consecutive Interpreting Techniques

Effective consecutive interpreting requires the application of specific techniques that help interpreters deliver accurate and fluent translations. Some of these include:

1. Note-Taking: As mentioned earlier, note-taking is one of the key techniques for successful consecutive interpreting. Learn to write down key words, ideas, and phrases that will help jog your memory.

2. Memory Training: Build your memory capacity by practicing memory exercises, which will allow you to retain more information over longer periods.

3. Chunking: Break down the speech into manageable segments or chunks. This allows you to interpret more efficiently without getting overwhelmed.

4. Active Listening: Always focus on understanding the context and the key message rather than merely listening to words. Active listening ensures that the interpretation remains faithful to the original speaker’s intentions.

Consecutive vs. Simultaneous Interpretation

When it comes to interpretation, two main types are widely used: consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. Let’s compare the two:

Consecutive interpreting involves waiting for the speaker to finish before the interpreter begins. This allows the interpreter to take notes and carefully think about the translation. However, it is slower and more time-consuming.

Simultaneous interpreting involves interpreting as the speaker speaks, without waiting. This requires intense concentration, as the interpreter has to listen and interpret at the same time. While it’s faster, it’s also more mentally taxing and requires more advanced skills.

Consecutive vs. Simultaneous: Which Is More Accurate?

Both methods of interpretation have their advantages, but consecutive interpreting tends to be more accurate in many situations. This is because the interpreter has more time to think and process the message before delivering it. Simultaneous interpreting, while fast, can sometimes result in minor errors due to the speed at which the interpreter must work.

Consecutive Interpreting Practice

Practicing consecutive interpreting is crucial to improving your skills. Here are some practice tips:

• Record speeches or lectures and practice interpreting them.

• Participate in language exchange programs to improve your fluency.

• Attend interpreting workshops and seek constructive feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can be a consecutive interpreter?

Consecutive interpreters are typically bilingual or multilingual individuals with advanced proficiency in at least two languages. They must have a deep understanding of cultural nuances and specialized vocabulary in the fields they interpret for.

What is consecutive type of translation?

Consecutive translation involves interpreting speech in segments, with the interpreter listening to the speaker and then rendering the message into the target language after each segment or pause.

What is the difference between consecutive and liaison interpreting?

Consecutive interpreting involves interpreting after the speaker has finished speaking, while liaison interpreting is a form of consecutive interpreting typically used for shorter exchanges, such as during business meetings or casual conversations.

How many types of interpreters are there?

There are several types of interpreters, including consecutive interpreters, simultaneous interpreters, and liaison interpreters, as well as conference, legal, and medical interpreters.

How to take notes for consecutive interpreting?

Take notes by focusing on key words, phrases, and concepts that will help you recall the speaker’s message. Use abbreviations and symbols to make the process faster and more efficient.

What are the most important tools for consecutive interpreting?

The most important tools for consecutive interpreting include a strong memory, note-taking skills, language proficiency, and cultural knowledge. Sometimes interpreters use equipment like microphones and recording devices in more formal settings.