Often, people prefer to read interviews instead of listening to them. It makes it easier for them to go back to any strong point of interest. However, not all audio or video interviews include captions or transcripts.
Transcribing interviews is challenging and takes up most of your time. For example, a 1-hour long conversation may take as much as 5-6 hours to transcribe. It is that tedious. But with proper ways to do it, you can finish it in no time.
Listed below are the 7 better ways of transcribing interviews.
Use High-Quality and Noise Cancellation Headphones
Headphones are undeniably a must-have when transcribing interviews. It keeps you on track with the sounds you hear. So, you can transcribe accurately and in time.
A good set helps you focus more on client recordings. Look for a piece that enables you to reduce background noise. The latest versions have noise-cancelling features that give out clear audio.
Aslo, get high-quality headphones. Find a set that has options to adjust the sound and toggle other factors. This way, you can easily understand the accents or slurred speech. Thus, assist you in a faster and better way in transcribing interviews.
Utilize Automated Transcription Software
Automated service is necessary when transcribing interviews. An excellent transcribing software creates a massive impact on transcription speed. It reduces the episodes of pausing or rewinding the video. It comes in handy, especially if you miss a word or phrase.
Various software is now available. The free ones offer a great deal of minimizing your frustration. Nevertheless, paid software solves all your problems in a breeze. Plus, some services convert video to text or audio to text.
Depending on the type, it helps transcribers draft a text format of an audio or video file within minutes. Although it is not 100% accurate, it can still speed up the turnaround time. In addition, it saves you from working over and over again. Just make sure to read and correct any mistakes before you finalize your write up. This way, you can make more money without spending too much of your time.
Practice Smart Touch Typing
Getting noise-cancelling headphones is vital. But your typing skills are another tool you should not miss. It plays an essential role when transcribing interviews. So, practice smart touch typing. Of course, it means you have to train yourself not to look down every time you type.
Do this by placing a cardboard box over your hands and keyboard. This way, you cannot physically see the keyboard. Thus, discipline you to type without glancing over the letters. Mistakes are normal but continuous practice can increase your skill exponentially. Plus, it speeds up your transcription process immensely.
Also, create shortcuts for commonly used words. For example, instead of typing the “because”, just enter “bec.” Or you may use “w” for the word “with.” That’s why typing smartly makes a big difference in your typing speed. Nevertheless, you can also use the autocorrect option to check the spelling.
Identify The Accuracy Level
When you transcribe interviews, you have to decide the expected accuracy of your transcriptions. Accurate typing and editing save your time during proofreading. In addition, you can avoid going back through the whole transcript again.
Check out the different levels of accuracy. Then, find out which among these is what you need to do.
Exactly Verbatim
It includes every word said in the conversation. Therefore, it contains statements like “Uhm,” “hmmm,” and the likes. That’s why it takes the longest to complete the transcription process.
Intelligent Verbatim
The level involves every single word said except for the filler words. These are words that do not change the meaning of the sentence. For example, you can skip words like “you know,” “like,” and “I mean.”
Edited Transcription
At this level, the transcriber skips irrelevant sentences. This is information that has no relation to the evaluation. An example is someone sharing a personal experience. However, it is not relevant to the interview purpose. So, there is no need to transcribe it.
Summary Transcription
It only includes pertinent passages. Only transcribe interviews that answer the specific question in the interview guide. Skip other unnecessary comments. Although this is the fastest level, it excludes some details. So, there is a risk of missing out on vital data.
Nevertheless, always talk with involved stakeholders about the level of accuracy. It trades off between time and details. And it makes sense for the particular evaluation required.
Document As Client’s Need
Transcribing interviews always include relevant meta-data. So, indicate the following details:
- Interview ID No.
- Project Name
- Date and Location of Interview
- Participant’s Name
- Interviewer’s Name
- Transcriber’s Name
Also, you may use abbreviations that denote the participant “P” and interview “I”. Through this, the transcription is more understandable. And you avoid missing important information.
Furthermore, clarify how the client wants their transcript. Is there a specific format, font, and text style? How about the margins, headers and file names? Time code requirements and forms vary based on preferences. Learn about this ahead of time to achieve your goal.
Find A Quiet and Comfortable Spot
As said earlier, transcribing interviews requires time, focus, and concentration. So look for a spot with less noise and distraction. It helps you pay full attention to the audio rather than the things around you.
Also, finding a comfortable environment is a must. Pick a cosy chair to keep your position upright and active. Get an exemplary table that matches the height of your chair. It avoids impeding your elbows and arms when typing for an extended period. In addition, it eases your tiredness. Thus, making you focus more.
Proofread Afterwards
Once you finish the whole audio file, check your draft. Then, listen to the file again while reading the transcribed interview. Do necessary corrections as you go along.
Afterwards, spell out all the abbreviations used for faster typing. Review if all the punctuations used are correct. See to it that every word has the proper spelling. Plus, correct the grammar to make the transcript more readable. Then, read it once again after your final edit.
Most importantly, don’t forget to save each stage of your work. It serves as your reference in the future.
Transcribing interviews depends on several factors. First, the language and accent are already challenging. Second, the quality of the audio also affects the speed of the transcribing process. Finally, having the right skills and knowledge equips you to overcome it. Take note of the 7 better ways of transcribing interviews. It helps you accomplish your task conveniently.