Complete Guide on How to Transcribe Audio to Text

However transcription seems quite easy, but, unfortunately, it is not. Although, the concept is pretty simple and straightforward - you just need to type to transcribe audio to text. The process still requires a great deal of attention and determination. Not just this, you have to work at a high speed while making sure there are no mistakes left.

Of course, you would need tools to kick start the process of transcribing from audio to text. You’ll require a word processor, an audio player, and a few working hours. So, if you want to know how to transcribe, keep reading this post. We will run you through every bit of it so you can understand the entire transcribing process easily.

Some Important Considerations

Audio-to-text transcribing is a lot different from video transcribing. Audio transcribing has its own set of challenges. They are here as follows:

1. Audio Quality

Transcribing audio to text means handling a plethora of unheard words, background noise, stutters, and gaps in audio recording. If the speaker fumbles and mumbles a lot, you can add ‘inaudible’ in the transcript with a timestamp. Or, if the recording was interrupted then you can insert ‘audio gap’ to explain the reason behind inaudible content.

Amidst so many aspects involved in the audio transcribing process, you just have to be a little more attentive to ensure you pick the ideal one.

1. Transcribing Standards

It is imperative to be used to various transcribing standards as this will help you complete the whole process of transcribing in an efficient way. A few standards that you need to keep in mind always are:

• Intelligent Transcription: In this, the context and meaning of speech are delivered along with summarizing.

• Edited Transcription: Filler wording is edited while the meaning is still preserved without paraphrasing it.

• Phonetic Transcription: This is a special type of transcription that records the speaker’s tone and pronunciation completely.

1. Technical Transcription

If you are enriched with a lot of knowledge on legal matters then you are definitely in a good position to transcribe audio to text. In case, you don’t understand the legal terms well, you may waste a lot of time searching on Google to check you have got it all right or not.

If you don’t have the required skills, set your goal of learning and upgrading your skills to deliver the project right.

1. Different Speakers

When you are transcribing audio to text, it can be a little complex. To create an accurate transcription, find out who is a speaker for every aspect of recording. Otherwise, you may end up pairing with the wrong speaker.

Identifying every speaker will be quite easy if you stay in tune with a person’s pace and style of speech.

1. Sensitive Content

While working on sensitive content, you should be familiar with IT security requirements and standards of non-disclosure agreement. Because at the end of the day, clients would want to know that their data is safe and secure.

Step-By-Step Process of Transcribing Audio to Text

If you’re all set to transcribe audio to text, you just have to follow the step-by-step process as mentioned below:

1. Setup the Tech

With the right setup in place, you can’t transcribe audio to text easily or conveniently. You are required to have the best equipment if you are planning to transcribe audio to text efficiently.

You would need a laptop with a word processor and software to run the audio file. Also, you would require a keyword or a transcription foot pedal that enables you to start and stop the audio without having to take fingers off the keyboard.

1. Find the Right Text Expander

The Test Expander Programme is what you need to transcribe quickly. When you transcribe audio to text, you can easily programme the speaker’s names any phrases that crop up the following expander.

It actually gives you your version of shorthand with the software typing out in full what you are updating in the note format.

1. Type

Now it's the time to begin typing. The faster you type, the better it will be. If you want to provide quick services, it's best to go for a minimum typing speed of 50 words per minute. This will help you earn more from your transcription career.

1. Review

Take a break for a while once you are done typing. Read through the document that you have typed while listening to the audio at the same time. It’s your opportunity to review your work and proofread the transcription.

If you want to make your mark and earn reputation in the industry, you should know how to deliver quality transcription accurately.

1. File Type

At last, you need to think about the file format as per what is required by the client. Your client may need a PDF document, word document or content in multimedia format. So, it depends what your clients need and provide that accordingly.

Conclusion

When you are planning for transcribing audio to text, you can either do it on your own or hire professional transcribing services. It is always good to seek professional help if you are a novice at transcribing. So, find the skilled transcriptionists and get started with transcribing. It will be worthwhile and you won't be disappointed at all.