Consecutive Interpreting & Note-taking
Introduction
Workshop Leader:
Mazen Alfarhan
Workshop Schedule Date: 27 April 25 - 01 May 25
Workshop Schedule Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Monday to Thursday
Duration: 12 hours (3 hours per day)
Venue: Penrose House (LAS) Building - Classroom A015
About the Workshop
Elevate Your Skills with Expert Note-Taking Techniques with Mazen Alfarhan
Overview: Unlock the full potential of your interpreting skills with our specialized workshop on Consecutive Interpreting and Note-Taking. In a world where Simultaneous Interpreting often takes the spotlight, Consecutive Interpreting remains an essential skill for business meetings, court hearings, interviews, and medical consultations. This workshop emphasizes the importance of Consecutive Interpreting as a reliable and conversational method, offering interpreters the unique advantage of capturing subtle nuances and body language in real-time.
Our hands-on workshop will guide you through the art of effective note-taking—a crucial skill for rendering accurate and coherent translations. You will learn to balance recording information with processing and connecting ideas, ensuring that you deliver messages with precision and clarity.
Structure
- Introductory Presentation: Understanding Consecutive Interpreting and Note-Taking
- Step-by-Step Note-Taking Techniques: From Basics to Advanced Strategies
- Live Exercises: Practical sessions led by the trainer
- Active Listening Exercises: Enhance memory and information retention
- Group Practice: Collaborative exercises and discussions
- Comparison: Analyzing group notes versus trainer notes
- Conclusion: Final recommendations and strategies for improvement
Methodology
• Stage 1: Introduction to note-taking techniques and evaluation of short-term memory skills using audio/video texts.
• Stage 2: Live note-taking exercise demonstrating step-by-step techniques.
• Stage 3: Cognitive exercise phase focusing on listening, memory, and translation.
• Stage 4: Comparative analysis of notes and final insights.
What You Will Learn
• Master the essentials of note-taking and its application in consecutive interpreting.
• Gain exposure to real-world interpreting scenarios and techniques.
• Acquire advanced consecutive interpreting skills through practice and analysis.
• Implement strategies for effective note-taking and memory enhancement.
Target Participants: Ideal for translation students, practicing interpreters, and bilingual professionals, including social services workers involved in language services. The workshop is limited to 10 participants to ensure personalized attention and hands-on experience.
Join us to transform your interpreting capabilities and become a proficient consecutive interpreter!
About the Leader/Instructor
Mazen Alfarhan
Expert Reviser and Interpreting Trainer
Mazen Alfarhan joined Hamad Bin Khalifa University in 2013 as a reviser and interpreting trainer. Currently, he is the Acting Director of the Translation and Training Center. With 23 years of unparalleled experience in the fields of translation and interpreting, Mazen has distinguished himself both as a professional and an educator.
Professional Excellence: Mazen interpreted at over 220 high-profile events, providing services to world leaders such as Kofi Annan, Mahathir Mohamad, Pervez Musharraf, Romano Prodi, Javier Solana, and Sergio de Mello. His professional acumen ensures top-tier interpretation, making every event seamless and effective.
Academic Leadership: In the realm of academia, Mazen has a rich history of teaching, having instructed translation at the undergraduate level (2002 to 2008) and conference interpreting at the master’s level (2007 to 2013). As a trainer, he has led 33 training workshops and programs, totaling over 700 hours of instruction between 2013 and 2024. His courses are known for their depth, rigor, and practical application.
Impressive Credentials: Mazen holds two MA degrees—one in Diplomacy from SOAS and another in Translation & Interpreting from Heriot-Watt University. He also has a Graduate Diploma in Arabization and a BA in English, both from Damascus University. His commitment to professional development is ongoing, with additional training from prestigious institutions such as London Metropolitan University, the University of Geneva, and Saint Joseph University.
Public Engagement: Mazen is a familiar voice on Qatar Radio and Qatar TV, where he regularly discusses translation and interpreting issues. His insights are also shared through articles in local newspapers, contributing to public understanding and appreciation of the field.
Awards and Recognition: Mazen’s contributions have earned him three Professional Excellence Awards from Qatar Foundation. His translation of a healthcare interpreting manual, published by Geneva University Hospitals, won the Best Translation Poster award in 2017 from HBKU. Additionally, he is a proud recipient of the Chevening Scholarship and the Said Scholarship.
Mazen Alfarhan’s blend of professional experience, academic leadership, and public engagement makes him a standout figure in the field of translation and interpreting. Join his workshops and programs to learn from the best and elevate your skills to new heights!