Consecutive interpreting:
The
interpreter makes notes while the speaker is talking and then
translates what has been said while the speaker pauses. This technique is particularly suitable for negotiations as the time needed for the interpretation actually creates an artificial but strategically useful break in the proceedings. However, this technique is primarily used to interpret after dinner speeches – and when speeches are given on the spur of the moment and the interpreter is not equipped with a notepad, table napkins and table cloths often end up being put to a hitherto novel use.
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