The speaker pauses and the interpreter renders each passage into the target language. No equipment, maximum flexibility, the default format wherever turn-taking is natural.
Consecutive interpreting is the format used wherever conversation moves in turns: courtroom testimony, medical consultations, depositions, immigration interviews, business meetings, and contract negotiations.
The speaker delivers a passage, the interpreter renders it into the target language, and the conversation continues. No booth, no headsets, no setup time, and a clear cognitive separation between speakers that the simultaneous format does not provide.
Consecutive needs nothing more than the interpreter in the room. Useful when site access, security, or improvisation rules out booth installation or last-minute equipment hire.
Interpreters trained in Rozan / Matyssek consecutive note systems for accurate rendering of 1 to 5 minute passages. The discipline that distinguishes a courtroom-grade consecutive from a paraphrased summary.
Sworn registry credentials for courts and notaries, NDAs for corporate work, DBS-cleared interpreters for UK NHS and education settings. The right credential confirmed before the booking is held.
Available in person across our city coverage, by video for telehealth and remote depositions, and by telephone for urgent settings where visual contact is not required. One format, three delivery modes.
“Amazing service! Very professional and quick. Greta communication via WhatsApp and email. I needed my documents very last minute and BeTranslated bent over back to help me with it, delivering hard copy too! Thank you - will use them definitely again in future.”
Google review (SL) , 9 months ago
“I recently used the BeTranslated France translation service and the experience was absolutely remarkable. The translators were competent, professional and extremely responsive. They were able to understand my specific needs and delivered high quality work on time. I highly recommend this service to anyone who needs accurate and efficient translations. A big thank you to the whole team!”
Google review (FR) , 2 years ago
“We regularly use BeTranslated's translation services and are very satisfied with their work. The team is professional and highly efficient! We highly recommend them.”
Google review (FR) , 2 years ago
Pricing is typically per half-day or per day, with a per-hour rate available for short assignments. Rates depend on language pair, city, and subject matter. Specialist legal or medical interpreters command a higher rate than business-conversational interpreters.
Single-interpreter consecutive is standard for assignments up to about 4 hours. For full-day or all-day sessions we recommend a second interpreter so they can alternate every 30 to 45 minutes. Sustained consecutive without a break degrades quality from the second hour onwards.
Yes, provided the interpreter is matched to the subject. Patent, financial, medical, and engineering content requires interpreters with subject-matter training, not just a glossary. Tell us the topic when you book and we route accordingly.
Consecutive interpreting waits for the speaker to finish a passage before the interpreter renders it. Simultaneous interpreting delivers output in real time while the speaker keeps talking. Consecutive is the standard for legal proceedings, depositions, and medical consultations, where a speaker-interpreter turn pattern is acceptable or required. Simultaneous is the standard for conferences and large events where stopping the speaker would be impractical. Consecutive needs no equipment; simultaneous requires a booth, headsets, and a technician.
Other On-Site Interpreting Formats
Tell us the venue, language pair, format, and timing for your Consecutive Interpreting assignment. We will confirm interpreter availability and logistics as quickly as possible.
