What is an appropriate note-taking strategy during consecutive interpretation?

• A. Write full sentences for every clause.
• B. Use concise, discreet notes for key concepts, numbers, instructions, and medications while maintaining confidentiality.
• C. Avoid taking any notes to maintain eye contact.
• D. Use elaborate diagrams to capture ideas.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to use concise, discreet notes that capture only the essential details you’ll need to render an accurate interpretation. In consecutive interpretation, you listen, understand, and then reproduce what was said after the speaker pauses. Having brief notes for core concepts, numbers, instructions, and medications gives you a reliable memory aid without bogging you down. Full sentences for every clause slow you down and disrupt the flow, making it harder to maintain eye contact and stay engaged with the speaker. Relying on no notes at all removes a crucial tool for recall and increases the risk of missing important details. Elaborate diagrams also take too long to consult during a live interpretation and can interrupt the pace. Keeping notes concise and discreet supports both accuracy and privacy—protecting confidential information and using secure, standardized shorthand or abbreviations to record the relevant items.