In-Person Interpreting Services

Q: Is in-person interpreting the same as consecutive interpreting?

Not exactly. In-person interpreting describes where the interpreter works, while consecutive interpreting describes how the interpreter interprets. In consecutive interpreting, the speaker pauses at natural intervals while the interpreter conveys the message in another language. Many in-person appointments use consecutive interpreting, although an onsite interpreter may also provide simultaneous interpreting when appropriate.

In-person interpreting, also called onsite or face-to-face interpreting, connects people with a professional interpreter physically present at the same location. In-person interpreters commonly use consecutive interpreting, where the speaker pauses at natural intervals so the interpreter can accurately convey the message in the other language. This approach works well for situations that require personal interaction, context, and back-and-forth conversation, including medical appointments, business meetings, legal proceedings, school meetings, trainings, facility tours, and other high-stakes conversations.

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How does in-person interpreting work?

In most face-to-face appointments and meetings, interpreters use a method called consecutive interpreting. One person speaks for a short period and pauses while the interpreter communicates the message in the other language. The conversation continues back and forth this way, allowing each participant to speak directly to the other while the interpreter facilitates accurate communication.

Unlike simultaneous interpreting, where interpretation happens in real time as someone is speaking, consecutive interpreting is particularly well suited to interactive conversations such as medical appointments, legal consultations, interviews, school meetings, and business discussions. Because the interpreter is physically present, they can also observe nonverbal cues and the context of the conversation while maintaining impartiality and confidentiality.

Experienced consecutive interpreters for every need, in any setting.

At Rapport International we match you with a consecutive interpreter experienced in your industry, alleviating concerns around industry terminology, subject matter, and cultural nuances; for example, a consecutive interpreter specializing in global business understands high- v. low-context cultures and will deliver the interpreted message in the manner appropriate to the receiving audience.

Medical Appointments

Insurance Intake and Interviews

Depositions and Accident Reports

Legal and Court Appearances

School and Other Education-Related Meetings

Government and Diplomatic Conferences and Proceedings

Company and Business Meetings

Employee Training or Development Sessions

Community, Private and Non-Profit Organization Meetings

No matter the setting, our consecutive interpreters facilitate smooth, accurate communications while helping you comply with regulatory requirements.

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FAQs

Is in-person interpreting the same as consecutive interpreting?

Not exactly. In-person interpreting describes where the interpreter works, while consecutive interpreting describes how the interpreter interprets. In consecutive interpreting, the speaker pauses at natural intervals while the interpreter conveys the message in another language. Many in-person appointments use consecutive interpreting, although an onsite interpreter may also provide simultaneous interpreting when appropriate.

How much do in-person interpreting services cost?

Interpreter costs vary based on type and time of day, plus variables such as lead time, duration, and subject matter. Live interpreting services are charged on an hourly basis plus travel expenses, with minimum time requirements. In contrast, on-demand over-the-phone interpreting (OPI) and video remote interpreting (VRI) services are charged by the minute. Learn more about Interpreter Pricing here.

How do I find a good interpreter?

Look for an agency that offers a full range of interpreting services and matches you with an interpreter experienced in your industry. Credentialing differs according to need – for example, state courts require written and oral exams for court interpreters – and a high-quality agency will be transparent about its interpreters’ training and skills. Look specifically for interpreters trained in active listening and memory skills, cultural competence, objectivity, and ethics. Learn more about Interpreter skill sets here.

Can’t I just use an employee or family member to interpret for me?

Using a bilingual employee, friend, or family member will compromise any interaction – personal opinions or commentary or a lack of familiarity and understanding with relevant terms and concepts can result in the delivery of erroneous or incomplete information. There may also be cultural traditions and nuances that interfere with the information being conveyed. Ensure accurate, impartial, and confidential communication by always relying on a professionally trained interpreter. Read more about the risks here.

How do I schedule an interpreter?

Here at Rapport International you have several options for scheduling an interpreter: phone, email, or client portal. Our schedulers are available to take your requests and assign the best interpreter for your needs 24/7. Reach out today.

How do you work effectively with an interpreter?

There are things you can do to make your experience working with a consecutive interpreter more efficient and effective. When both the client and the interpreter follow best practice guidelines, communications go more smoothly.

Speak slowly and clearly, pausing between thoughts to give the interpreter time to convey your message.
Look at and speak directly to the person you are communicating with, not the interpreter.
If issues arise, pause and address them immediately to get the conversation back on track.

Learn more by watching the webinar Interpreting – Best Practices.

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Interpreting Services:

Everything You Need to Know

Dive into the world of interpreting services with our comprehensive guide. Find detailed descriptions of the various types of interpretation – consecutive, simultaneous, video remote, and telephone – and the best practices for working with each type of interpreter.

Download the guide today to gain a deeper understanding of the vital role interpreters play in breaking down language barriers to foster connections with your patients, clients, and customers.

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How Much Does Interpretation Cost?

Interpretation costs depend on the type of interpreting service needed, time of day, length of the assignment, location, equipment needs, and travel expenses. Each service type will also charge in different ways – by the hour, minute, level of service, language, etc.

Become an educated consumer by downloading the guide today, to learn more about evaluating pricing and service quality, what services fit your needs, and how to measure the return on your investment.

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Our Consecutive Interpreting Clients

What Our Clients Say About Us

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Rapport International's interpreter is always a blessing when he is here. He is so patient centered and such a hard worker.

I really appreciate your team's help for in-person interpretation, as well as translating our patient document - it will really make a big difference for the families we serve.

- Program Manager, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals

We appreciate Rapport International's responsiveness and the easy working relationship that we have with them. They provide high quality interpreters who we know we can depend on. I've referred them to others that have a need for language services.

You will be pleased when you work with Rapport International.

- Manager, Assistive Technology Partnership, State of Nebraska

The Rapport International team are rockstars!!

I cannot say how much I appreciate their communication and pro-activeness with interpreter log-in sheets. They make my work a lot easier and I cannot thank them enough!

- Administrative Assistant, Bryan Health Lincoln

I have nothing but praise for Rapport International.

The team at Rapport International has taken a huge weight off my mind. And I know that whenever we need something done that involves translating or interpreting, I can go to them and I'm not going to have to worry.

- VP Community Programs, Peregrine

Your Burmese interpreter has done several appointments for us and he always does a great job. He is always on time and very professional. He is very good and helpful and the team here loves him.

- Job Coach, Vocational Rehab Omaha, NE

Our Process

Our proven process matches you with interpreters experienced in your industry. We nurture these relationships over time to retain voice and style preferences, while creating cost efficiencies.

Our Process

Costs & turnaround

Working with Rapport International gives you the benefit of clear, transparent pricing and an established scheduling process.

Cost & Turnaround

Language of Global Marketing

Speaker - Global Business

In-Person Interpreting Services

Confidentiality, guaranteed

Bridge language and cultural gaps

Appointments on time, every time

How does in-person interpreting work?

Experienced consecutive interpreters for every need, in any setting.

FAQs

Is in-person interpreting the same as consecutive interpreting?

How much do in-person interpreting services cost?

How do I find a good interpreter?

Can’t I just use an employee or family member to interpret for me?

How do I schedule an interpreter?

How do you work effectively with an interpreter?

Some Helpful Tools to Get You Started:

Interpreting Services:

Everything You Need to Know

How Much Does Interpretation Cost?

Our Consecutive Interpreting Clients

What Our Clients Say About Us

Rapport International's interpreter is always a blessing when he is here. He is so patient centered and such a hard worker.

I really appreciate your team's help for in-person interpretation, as well as translating our patient document - it will really make a big difference for the families we serve.

We appreciate Rapport International's responsiveness and the easy working relationship that we have with them. They provide high quality interpreters who we know we can depend on. I've referred them to others that have a need for language services.

You will be pleased when you work with Rapport International.

The Rapport International team are rockstars!!

I cannot say how much I appreciate their communication and pro-activeness with interpreter log-in sheets. They make my work a lot easier and I cannot thank them enough!

I have nothing but praise for Rapport International.

The team at Rapport International has taken a huge weight off my mind. And I know that whenever we need something done that involves translating or interpreting, I can go to them and I'm not going to have to worry.

Your Burmese interpreter has done several appointments for us and he always does a great job. He is always on time and very professional. He is very good and helpful and the team here loves him.

Our Process

Costs & turnaround

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