Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Useful Tips On Making Professional Transcriptions

By Melissa Smith


Are you learning how to transcribe? If you are starting out as a transcriptionist, you need to focus on producing quality work. Anyone can transcribe but only a few can deliver exceptional work. This article shares how you can produce professional transcriptions.

Ensure that your copy has no spelling or grammatical errors. Errors such as the wrong use of a comma or hyphen can distort the meaning of a sentence. Try to understand punctuation rules in order to punctuate your document properly. There are correcting tools such as AutoCorrect in Microsoft Word that can help minimize these mistakes. It is important to proofread your transcript a few times to ensure there are no mistakes.

Transcription involves challenges such as background noise, cross talk, and soft voices. You need to have good listening skills in order to transcribe correctly. An understanding of dialogues and conversations can help you hear and type correctly. An efficient way to improve your listening skills is by using noise-canceling headphones. They can eliminate background noise and help you focus on important words.

Having excellent research skills helps improve the quality of your work. You will come across words and phrases that you are not familiar with when transcribing. Having research skills helps you look them up and write them correctly. Besides new terminologies, you might need to look up companies, brand, establishments or any other crucial but unfamiliar information.

Besides having excellent research skills, you should pay attention to detail. Audio files include more than words. There will be pauses, laughter and filler words. In most cases, these small details contribute to the meaning of words spoken. It is important to clearly notice and include them. Quality work includes every detail that adds meaning to the story.

Understanding what the client wants will help you create quality work. Different projects will have different goals. It is important to understand what formats you are expected to use. Read any instructions provided before working on the job. If there is anything that you do not understand, it is advisable to ask instead of guessing.

Another efficient way of improving the quality of your work is by using transcription software. There are software programs specifically designed to transcribe audio files. They can be very helpful in improving your speed and accuracy. The program will help you use hotkeys to control audio speed. This helps you transcribe faster and meet your deadlines.

Find a quiet and comfortable environment. Being in a peaceful location helps you focus on the job. You can clearly hear and focus without any interruptions. Try to be comfortable and focus your full attention on the audio. Additionally, it is important to be in a comfortable workspace. Find a good chair that does not hurt your back.

The tips shared above are only helpful if you are self-motivated and self-disciplined. You need to be willing to face challenges, learn through them and finally deliver outstanding transcripts.




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