Voice transcription is an art, not a science, which means there’s always room for improvement. If you’re new to using audio recording devices and transcription software, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you get an accurate transcript from any recording.

Tips for better voice transcriptions

Here are some voice transcription tips to set yourself up for success:

• Invest in high-quality recording equipment: First and foremost, you need good recording equipment to create an accurate voice transcription—especially if you plan to use transcription software. Low-quality recorders may produce recordings with too much background noise, uneven quality and other issues. If you plan to record and transcribe often, it’s worth the money to get the right equipment.
• Reduce background noise: While a good voice recorder will have background noise-reduction features, you should also do whatever you can to reduce the noise yourself. Try to find a quiet room away from traffic or conversation. Unplug everything but the most necessary electronics, as those can create buzzing or interference.
• Speak as clearly as possible: When recording something for transcription, you should make an effort to speak as clearly as possible. In some cases, this may mean you are speaking more slowly than you normally would. While that can feel odd or uncomfortable at first, you’ll quickly get used to it, especially when you see the difference in translation. If you’re recording another person speaking, brief them on best practices before recording.
• Keep the recording device close to the speaker: Whoever is speaking, try to keep the microphone or recording device close to them. If you’re recording multiple speakers, choose a central location to place the microphone. Remind speakers that they may need to speak more loudly than normal for the benefit of the recording.
• Get powerful transcription software: If your recording equipment didn’t come with transcription software, investing in some will make your job easier. Technological advances have made it possible for software to learn different voices, accents, dialects, phrases and more. This can save a lot of time when you work in a field with highly technical jargon, like medicine or law. While transcription software isn’t perfect, it can dramatically reduce the amount of time you spend creating a transcript.
• Use a good noise-canceling headset: When you’re reviewing the transcript for errors, use a quality noise-canceling headset. This will block out distractions and background noise, so it’s easier to focus on what’s being said. You’ll catch more errors in the transcript this way.
• Don’t forget to take breaks: Finally, don’t forget to take breaks during transcriptions. This can be a mentally taxing task, especially if you find yourself hunched over a computer for hours at a time. Take a moment to stretch, have a snack and regroup.

Voice transcriptions are key in many industries. When you need them to be as accurate as possible, follow the above voice transcription tips, and call Efficiency, Inc. for high-quality digital voice recorders and transcription software. We look forward to matching you with the products you need.