Transcription could be defined as a process of converting live or recorded speech into an electronic or written document. It has become an integral part of legal, medical, and general business sectors.
Before 1970, transcription was believed to be a challenging profession because one has to write the speech down just the way they heard it utilising advanced skills like shorthand. They also were required to be present in the location of the service. With the introduction of portable recorders, the work has become simpler and brand-new possibilities emerged.
Prior to investing in transcription, one must first debunk the myths generally associated with it. Please check the major ones among the lot right now.
This is perhaps the most common myth about transcription floating around. Now while transcriptionists need to type at least 70 words in a minute, but, this sole skill would not take them anywhere. What matters the most is a powerful ear to get the right information down.
The first step for a transcriptionist is to listen a recording with caution. Seems easy? Quite surprisingly, this is the most touch step. The transcriptionists admitted missing words even when the recording is clear, so, they have to hear it multiple times.
The second step is to take a client’s needs and guidelines into consideration. The transcriptionists must adopt an approach that helps them meet varying requirements and expectations within a short period. Whether verbatim is mandatory or not, what kind of formatting will work the best, etc. are necessary aspects to remember
The experts working in the best academic transcription company said it usually takes longer to transcribe a one hour long file. The duration depends on the format options, technical structure of the recording, accents of the speaker, jargons used, and the transcriptionist’s overall experience.
Recordings with more than one speaker usually take longer to transcribe. For example, an hour long file with only one speaker may take three hours but when there are say four speakers, it may take four hours or so.
The transcript goes through confirmation phase that increases the duration. If a transcriptionist listens to recording several times, they would obviously take longer to create the final draft.
Technology has progressed to a great extent, and most of the people have computers or laptops, and they can type. However, transcribing calls for other skills other than typing. Transcription involves listening attentively, focusing on the details, and documenting without spelling or grammatical mistakes. So, transcription is not easy and not everyone can do it.
The experts keeping Australian transcription rates low said converting audios or videos into texts is unfortunately not everybody’s cup of tea. Most individuals view it as a laborious task, hence, think of outsourcing. The work involves comprehensive research or else the names of places and people and other terminologies may be noted in the wrong way.