Interpreting requires a good memory. However, no matter how strong your memory is, it's still easy to forget important details. This is especially true when you need to translate larger sections of speech. That's why an interpreter needs note-taking skills.
Note-taking is one of the most important skills that consecutive interpreters must have. This process consists of noting the main ideas of the discourse and the necessary connectives, in a way that facilitates memory support when reproducing new discourse.
In consecutive interpreting, for the most experienced interpreters, note-taking is largely unimportant when compared to the constant effort of analyzing what is said, understanding its meaning, and translating it into speech in simultaneous interpreting. However, for less experienced interpreters, note-taking can be a way to bypass hurdles that are difficult to overcome. Illustration of note-taking (source: pixabay.com)
Here are some tips for note-taking:
1. Take notes quickly. Most importantly, don't wait for the "right" words because this is not the time to do it.
2. Jot down easy-to-understand words to jog your memory when you have to deliver the speech.
3. Make legible notes so that when you feel stressed about delivering the speech. You won't waste time looking for ideas.
4. Use a large font size that is easy to read from afar.
5. Avoid using ambiguous abbreviations. For example, "ind" should not mean "independent" in some cases and "industrial" in others.
6. Use existing symbols and never encounter symbols that are not easily recognizable during a speech.
7. Change the structure of the notes using your good judgment, always respecting the cohesion of the speech and the intention of the speaker.