From Audio To Text: 3 Tips To Getting Transcription Services You're Looking For
Posted on: 24 January 2017
Transcribing audio to text can take quite a bit of time, especially if you're not experienced nor have the proper equipment to do so. Depending on the audio quality, the content, the speed of which the speakers are talking, and other factors, it can take anywhere from 4 to 9 hours to transcribe one hour of audio to text. If you simply don't have the time to accomplish this on your own, you might benefit from hiring a transcription service to do the job for you. Still, it can be difficult for transcribers to give you the results you're looking for without your cooperation. Here are 3 tips on how you can help ensure that what you get is what you need.
Determine the Best Format Ahead of Time
Don't just give the transcribers a recording and expect them to provide you with a text document that will work for you. It's vital that you include instructions as to how you would like the format of the documents to be. If you're not sure, most transcribers and transcription companies will give you samples of different formats that they usually recommend. See if any of the formats that they have work for you. You can always make minor adjustments and alterations based on your own preferences and needs.
When coming up with a format, you want to choose something that will allow you to easily identify which speaker is speaking. You should also separate the recording into chunks, as one block of text can be difficult to read and comprehend later on.
Provide Details on Any Special Jargon or Acronyms Used
When hiring transcribers, you definitely want to find professionals that work in your industry and are familiar with the jargon that is commonly used. For example, if you work in the medical industry, look for transcribers that have experience either transcribing medical documents or have previously worked in the medical industry themselves as nurses, doctors, or caretakers. These individuals will be more aware of the terminology that is used and will be able to check to see whether their transcription matches up with the context.
If there are any special jargons, words, or acronyms that your practice uses and are not common knowledge, you'll want to let the transcribers know ahead of time. For example, you might have a special word used to describe a certain protocol. Include notes of these words with the audio recording to provide the transcribers with more clarity of what is being said.
Ensure Sound Quality of the Recording is Clear
Even the most professional and experienced transcribers can only put out work based on the sound quality of the recording that is provided to them. If you don't want the transcribers to miss any important information or to misconstrue any of the words, invest in a high quality recorder that not only records what the speakers are saying with clarity, but also does not pick up much background noise.
Some transcription companies and transcribers can give you recommendations in regards to the type of recording devices that usually produce the best results. Good sound quality can also help reduce your overall bill, as the transcribers can spend a significantly less amount of time trying to work out what is being said.
Conclusion
It's not unusual for most practices and clinics to outsource their transcription work. Professional transcribers are not only skilled at typing precisely, but they also have the right type of equipment needed to get the job done within a relatively short period of time. In fact, some transcribers can get the transcription back to you within a matter of hours.
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