Tips for Producing Quality Transcriptions

[updated Jan 02 2015]

Are you always looking for ways to deliver a great transcript? Do you somehow wish you have all the answers in the palm of your hands? Do you want to be pro when it comes to transcribing?

If you answer yes to all of these questions, then read on further. Transcription is not just about typing what you hear and then proofreading it. Rather, it's sort of an art that should be mastered by skilled transcribers.

Here are some great tips that you can incorporate in your transcribing routine to ensure that they are of awesome quality.

• Correct visible errors the speaker may produce. Otherwise, process them if instructed to do so. Usually speakers don't have the best grammar or comprehension when they're speaking and this is not something formal as in writing especially for non-native English speakers. This may be common and you may be inclined to ignore that error. However, it's important that the transcript is understandable and readable. Clients will appreciate it if you correct the grammars in the transcript. 

• Adjust your accuracy. To have great accuracy in your transcript, it's a given you need to be totally skilled in pronunciation and grammar. Always make it a point to prioritize accuracy over speed. This saves you time when it comes to proofreading the transcript.

• Always read your work. It is vital to review and read your work to make sure that every sentence and every paragraph makes sense. This is another great way to identify any mistakes or errors you have missed in the beginning.

• Enjoy transcribing. Enjoy your work! If you don't enjoy it, you will surely have a hard time in this field. Chances are, you'll be prone to making mistakes since the focus won't necessarily be on accuracy, but rather waiting for the job to end. So definitely enjoy. Take breaks in between to rejuvenate yourself and get back to work feeling refreshed.

• Stick to a consistent template for your work. Consistency is key in having great transcriptions. This will make your work a lot easier and more uniform all throughout. 

We recommend following these tips to generate quality work and potentially increase your revenue.

Your turn. Do you have a tip to better streamline the transcription industry?