Consecutive interpreting is one of the interpretation methods that constitutes international conference interpreting along with simultaneous interpreting. It refers to translating the content of the speaker's speech into another language after listening to it.
At this time, the unit of interpretation, that is, the time until the speaker pauses for interpretation, can vary depending on the interpretation situation, the interpreter's ability, time constraints, the speaker's speaking style, and even how familiar the speaker is with interpretation services.
Usually, each interpretation takes anywhere from a few seconds to over 5 minutes. If you can listen to a conversation for about 5 minutes and interpret it without difficulty, it is considered that you can overcome time constraints in other interpretations as well.
So, domestic and international interpretation graduate schools train in consecutive interpretation using texts of about 5 minutes.


Consecutive interpreting is required in a variety of situations and environments.
The most classic example is a gathering such as a banquet.
In these settings, since the participants exchange short speeches or conversations, consecutive interpretation is more appropriate than simultaneous interpretation, which requires cumbersome equipment.


Second, consecutive interpretation is used in small-scale business meetings, interviews, bilateral talks, and entertaining foreign guests.
Although simultaneous interpretation has been increasingly used in recent years due to its convenience and time-saving advantages, consecutive interpretation is still preferred in small meetings where using interpretation equipment, especially booths, is inconvenient.


Third, in situations where fixed facilities such as booths cannot be used, such as escort interpreting for field trips, tours, and guided tours, consecutive interpreting is undoubtedly preferred.
Of course, in situations like this, a simultaneous interpretation method called 'whispered interpreting' is sometimes used, but consecutive interpreting is still actively used.

Consecutive interpreting is one of the interpretation methods that constitutes international conference interpreting along with simultaneous interpreting. It refers to interpreting that translates the content of the speaker's speech (broadly speaking, 'speaker') into another language.
At this time, the unit of interpretation, that is, the time until the speaker pauses for interpretation, can vary depending on the interpretation situation, the interpreter's ability, time constraints, the speaker's speaking style, and even how familiar the speaker is with interpretation services.
Usually, each interpretation takes anywhere from a few seconds to over 5 minutes, and it is considered that someone who can listen to a 5-minute conversation and interpret it without difficulty can overcome even greater time constraints.
So, domestic and international interpretation graduate schools train in consecutive interpretation using texts of about 3 to 5 minutes.


Consecutive interpretation is required in a variety of situations and environments.
The most classic example is a gathering such as a banquet.
In these settings, since the participants exchange short speeches or conversations, consecutive interpretation is more appropriate than simultaneous interpretation, which requires cumbersome equipment.
Second, consecutive interpretation is used in small business meetings, interviews, bilateral talks, and entertaining foreign guests.
Although simultaneous interpretation has been increasingly used in recent years due to its time-saving advantages, consecutive interpretation is still preferred in small meetings where using interpretation equipment, especially booths, is inconvenient (installing simultaneous interpretation equipment requires a considerable amount of money).
Third, in situations where fixed facilities such as booths cannot be used, such as escort interpreting for field trips, tours, and guided tours, consecutive interpreting is preferred.
Of course, whispered interpreting is used in situations like this, but consecutive interpreting is still actively used.

The expectations for consecutive interpreting are much higher than those for simultaneous interpreting.
Of course, simultaneous interpretation also needs to be of the highest standard, but from the perspective of the general audience, simultaneous interpretation is a far superior technique than consecutive interpretation (there are even audience members who come to the booth and ask, “How on earth do you do this?”).
In the case of consecutive interpretation, the speaker's speech and interpretation are performed sequentially, so the general audience naturally compares the speaker's speech and interpretation.
Especially, people who are good at the foreign language and like to interfere, or who think they heard more accurately than the interpreter, may go to the interpreter directly to check the interpretation or raise an issue with the interpretation through official channels.


[ Explanation of related terms]

Native English speakers also use both words when they mean 'interpreting'.
However, in interpretation practice, especially in academia, these two terms are used differently.
The former, interpreting, means 'interpretation', while the latter, interpretation, has the meaning of 'interpretation' as well as 'interpretation' and 'result of interpretation'.
In particular, scholars who distinguish between the two terms define the former in terms of the activity and process of interpretation, and explain the latter as the product of interpretation.


Conference interpreting refers to interpretation at international conferences through consecutive or simultaneous interpreting.
Although it is written as “international conference,” international conference interpreters do not literally only interpret at international conferences.
Since even small events and gatherings require top-notch interpretation, the term “international conference” mentioned above can be safely understood to refer to any type of meeting that requires a high level of interpretation.
That's why some people call international conference interpreters "conference interpreters."
To become an international conference interpreter in Korea, you must graduate from a graduate school of interpretation (also known as “interpretation and interpretation graduate school”).
In other words, those who have endured the rigorous training of interpretation graduate schools and passed the graduation exam (certification test) are international conference interpreters.
The general public calls international conference interpreters “simultaneous interpreters.”
Strictly speaking, this is not an accurate use of the term.
Because simultaneous interpretation is a type of interpretation method.
What could be more absurd than calling an international conference interpreter who is performing consecutive interpretation a “simultaneous interpreter”?

International conference interpreters and interpretation graduate students refer to consecutive and simultaneous interpretation as “consecutive” and “simultaneous,” respectively.
In English, instead of consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting, they are shortened to “consecutive” and “simultaneous.”
It is literally interpretation done while performing.
Simultaneous interpretation is when the interpreter is positioned next to or behind the client, speaks into their ear, and speaks in a voice that only they can understand.
It is often used in situations where individual interpretation services are required or equipment installation is impossible.
In other words, it is called.

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From "What is Consecutive Interpreting"