What are the best sources of practice material for consecutive interpretation?

1 Audio and video recordings

Audio and video recordings are among the most accessible and versatile sources of practice material for consecutive interpretation. You can find recordings of speeches, lectures, interviews, podcasts, documentaries, and more on platforms such as YouTube, TED, BBC, NPR, and more. You can choose recordings that match your language combination, domain, and difficulty level. Plus, you can adjust the playback speed, pause, rewind, and repeat as needed. To practice consecutive interpretation with recordings, follow these steps: firstly, listen to the recording once without taking notes to get the main idea and context; secondly, listen to the recording again and take notes using symbols, abbreviations, and keywords (you can use a pen and paper, a tablet or a dedicated note-taking app); thirdly, interpret the recording from your notes into the target language (you can record yourself and compare your interpretation with the original or with a transcript); finally, review your interpretation and identify your strengths and weaknesses (you can also ask for feedback from a peer, a mentor or a professional interpreter).

2 Live events

Practicing consecutive interpretation with live events is an effective way to hone your skills. To begin, you should do some research on the topic, the speakers, and the audience. During the event, take notes using symbols, abbreviations, and keywords. Afterward, interpret the event from your notes into the target language. Then, review your interpretation and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can also ask for feedback from a peer, a mentor, or a professional interpreter. To find live events that are relevant to your language combination, domain, and difficulty level, search online, join interpreter associations, or subscribe to newsletters. With these simple steps, you will be able to practice consecutive interpretation with live events and improve your skills.

3 Simulated scenarios

Practicing consecutive interpretation with simulated scenarios can be a great way to improve your skills. These scenarios are designed to mimic real-life situations and can include medical consultations, legal hearings, business meetings, and more. You can create your own simulated scenarios by writing scripts, finding actors, and recording them. Alternatively, you can find simulated scenarios online by searching for interpreter training materials, role plays, or case studies. When practicing with simulated scenarios, you should first read or listen to the scenario and familiarize yourself with the context, the speakers, and the purpose. Then take notes using symbols, abbreviations, and keywords. After that, interpret the scenario from your notes into the target language and record yourself for comparison with the original or a transcript. Finally, review your interpretation to identify strengths and weaknesses and ask for feedback from a peer or professional interpreter.

4 Shadowing exercises

Shadowing exercises are a great way to practice consecutive interpretation, as they involve repeating what you hear in the same language as the speaker. This can help improve listening comprehension, memory, pronunciation, and fluency. You can use any source of audio or video material that suits your level, goals, and interests. To practice consecutive interpretation with shadowing exercises, you should first listen to the audio or video material and repeat what you hear. It's important to match the speaker's tone, pace, intonation, and accent as closely as possible. Additionally, try to anticipate what the speaker will say next. Finally, review your performance and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can also ask for feedback from a peer, a mentor, or a professional interpreter.

5 Peer practice

Peer practice is a great way to improve your consecutive interpretation skills, confidence, and motivation. To practice with a peer, you can choose a source of practice material that you both agree on, decide who will be the speaker and who will be the interpreter, take notes using symbols, abbreviations, and keywords, interpret the source of practice material from your notes into the target language, and give and receive feedback from your peer. Additionally, you can record yourself and compare your interpretation with the original or with a transcript. Moreover, you can discuss the difficulties, strategies, and tips that you encountered during the practice session. Joining interpreter communities, forums, or groups online or offline can help you find peers to practice with.