Consecutive interpretation is one of the ancient modes of interpretation, and it was systematically used before the spreading of simultaneous interpretation.

As the name suggests, the audience receives the interpreted message after the speaker's utterance and not at the same time as in simultaneous interpretation.

During consecutive interpretation, the interpreter sits or stands beside the speaker, listening and jotting down some words and symbols, using a special note-taking system. The speaker pauses at fixed intervals and the interpreter renders the message in the target language.

An event that makes use of consecutive interpretation does not require the special technical equipment necessary for simultaneous interpretation (booths, technical installation and supervision).

On the other hand, consecutive interpreting expands considerably the duration of an event, making it difficult for it to be used when more than one foreign language is requested.

Consecutive is used nowadays only for a few special occasions as highly technical meetings, working lunches, recorded statements, interviews, field trips.