Being a part of the transcribing and translating industry is a good place to find yourself.
There are plenty of jobs to be found as well as a lot of diversity in the content itself.
Dealing with language and typing so much both have their own sets of other benefits too that can be applied elsewhere in life. In addition to this, another skill is actively developed in such a job. Since you are constantly listening to audio transcriptions, your listening skills become enhanced over time and you start using more elaborate language in everyday situations. Be that as it may, one cannot actually become an audio transcriber or do law enforcement transcription without first having certain qualities and skills While the job itself is great and it makes you a better professional down the line, it also requires a lot from you in the beginning.
A Certain Set of Skills
Audio transcribers need particular skills and techniques to succeed in the industry where there are numerous employees just like them, or better, looking for work. Apart from technical know-how, transcriptionists must possess particular qualities that make them suitable and qualified to offer satisfying transcripts.
In this article, we will discuss eight qualities that good audio transcribers should possess and the benefits of hiring a professional transcriber to transcribe audio to text. Therefore, if you plan to start a career in audio transcribing or if you simply want to get better at it, make sure to stick until the end and learn which qualities you should have.
1. Good listening skills
Transcription requires one to have a clear understanding of all dialogues of a language they are transcribing from and into. There are many audibility challenges involved such as crosstalk, background noises and soft voices. In some instances, one may have to make guesses for some hard-to-hear parts of the audio. One can improve their listening ability by having the right equipment, such as a nice pair of headphones that allow for better sound quality. Investing in this can help you do your job more accurately and quickly.
Developing the listening skills can also be done by simply talking with others and listening when it is their turn, listening to music, and watching video material in free time.
2. Speed
A good transcriptionist must be able to type quickly with minimal errors so that the writing part of the job is done as quickly as possible. Audio transcription requires one to multitask constantly, since they must listen to the assigned audio and type what they hear accurately simultaneously. Delivering assignments on time is necessary for customer satisfaction and reliable customer services, but the assignment must also be without any errors. Hence, speed is an important factor for tasks with short deadlines. Practicing typing can be done whenever and it helps a lot that we use computers for other things, not just for work.
3. Sharp Memory
A good memory is an essential quality for audio transcribers. It helps transcriptionists type longer dialogues without having to pause and replay the recording frequently. Short term memory exercises could help with this if you think that there is room for improvement. The more you remember after a single listening, the less you will have to listen to again.
4. Attention to Detail
A transcriptionist must be able to catch every single detail and transfer it in writing. Audio conveys emotion and meaning through features such as intonation, pauses and pitch. One must be able to note these details accurately and as requested by the clients, since they make up the overall meaning of the audio. Merely typing everything is not enough when there are breaks, exclamations, and other speech features. It must all be conveyed appropriately in typing. Every detail of the recording matters.
5. Technology Savvy
Transcribing does not require any advanced computer skills. One needs basic know-how such as Microsoft Word and Google search to create quality transcripts. However, one must be willing and open to learning the operation of various software that is typically used in this industry. This enables one to transcribe different forms of audio such as podcasts, seminars, conference calls, interviews and videos. In an era where there are apps and programs for most things, using the right software is a no-brainer. Learn more about this by visiting gotranscript.
6. Research Skills
Transcription involves an endless range of subjects, not all of which you will be familiar with. Actually, there will probably be more topics that you know nothing or care little about. Because of this, there is diversity in the number of topics one has to handle. A good transcriptionist should possess excellent research skills to help in identifying technical and unfamiliar vocabulary. Outstanding ability to research also makes it easy to find accurate and timely information regarding translation, brands, companies, and establishments, among other subjects.
7. Commitment to Confidentiality
Customer information should always be protected and confidential. Leaking client data can have grave legal consequences both for you and your employer, and should be avoided at all cost. Therefore, confidentiality is an important quality for professional transcribers.
Equally, transcribers must be careful when handling sensitive information such as medical data. Basically, you have to treat everything you get with the highest degree of care.
8. Grammar, Punctuations, and Spelling Proficiency
High proficiency in punctuation and grammar is a necessary skill for transcribing. It is not difficult to understand the importance of language proficiency in such a line of work.
Transcribers are required to provide high quality transcripts without changing the meaning of the initial dialogue. Even for clients that prefer verbatim-specific transcripts, it is the transcriptionist’s duty to deliver easy-to-read transcripts without grammar, punctuation and spelling mistakes or changes.
9. Flexibility
Technology informs rapid changes in the transcription industry. Therefore, good transcriptionists should be able to keep up with the changes and stay relevant to the industry. Additionally, one should be able to transition between multiple fields, understand different topics in short durations and deliver them within the stipulated deadlines.
Why hire professional transcription services
Given their skills, experience and expertise, professional transcriptionists can be beneficial to you in several ways. Some reasons why you should consider hiring professional transcriptionists include:
• Accessibility:Professional transcription services are available throughout and can easily be accessed from anywhere at any time. This enables clients to follow up on the progress of projects and assign and receive tasks at the most suitable time for them.
• Accuracy:Professional transcriptionists possess rich experience and expertise. Hence, they are able to provide transcripts that have no grammar or technical errors.
• Diversity:Professional transcribers services can offer clients the diverse audio transcription services they require. This includes transforming information from your boardroom meetings, voice notes and videos into quality transcripts and translation services.
• Efficiency:Skilled transcriptionists work quickly to deliver the required product in the shortest amount of time possible. This gives one time to focus on more important aspects of their business, knowing they can depend on a professional to deliver quality work.
