3 Different Types Of Transcription – And How To Choose

In general terms transcription refers to turning an audio or a video file into a written file. Transcription takes the spoken word and puts it on paper or online in written format. But transcription is actually a little more complicated than that. There are three main types of transcription, and when one is used instead of another it is based on the client’s needs. And those needs are usually dictated by how the file is going to be used. Take a look at these different transcription types when you are looking at your own transcription needs.

3 Different Types of Transcription – And How to Choose

1. Verbatim Transcription

This type of transcription is offered by transcription services companies like www.alphabetsecretarial.co.uk as one of the most difficulty and specialised types of transcription. It is also the type of transcription that is the most time-consuming to carry out. In verbatim transcription every word, every utterance, every um and ah, every item of background noise must be written down. Short sentences and garbled words must be recorded. This form of transcription must result in a completely accurate account of what was said and what happened. The transcriber has a skilled job to carry out, paying attention to every sound and deciphering what it means before writing it down. This type of transcription is often used for legal purposes, or for adding a detailed transcript to films and videos. It may be the most expensive form of transcription as it is the most detailed and complicated.

2. Edited Transcription

An edited transcription is a transcription where parts of the video or the audio file can be omitted – just as long as the overall meaning of the transcript does not change. This type of transcription is almost as time consuming as verbatim transcription because the transcriber must be able to define what is important and what is not. There is a need for the transcriptionist to uncover the meaning of the file and then use judgement over what stays and what goes. You end up with a piece of transcription with great value that is often used for speeches, seminars, learning materials, and conference proceedings.

3. Intelligent Transcription

This type of transcription does not include any of the detail as in verbatim transcription like emotions and background noise. The end result reads well and is an accurate representation of what happened without the excess detail. This also requires a highly skilled transcriptionist as there is the need to understand what is relevant, and how to put information together to create a valuable report. All forms of transcription are better when a professional and experienced transcriptionist has worked on it.

About The Author

Related Posts