What’s involved in transcription?

Transcription is the process of turning spoken words into written words. Sounds simple, right?

Actually, there’s much more to transcription than meets the eye. When you use a professional transcription service, you’re not just getting super fast, efficient typing skills. There’s a host of qualities, knowledge and experience we bring to the table.

These are some of the added value and benefits a transcription service provides. Please contact us if you think your business would be a good match.

The skills of a top quality transcriber

A superior listener

Focus, concentration and listening skills are required to decipher audio transcripts, and they really come to the fore when working on live events. At focus groups, seminars and interviews you only have one chance to capture information. Our ability to focus on the detail and record important points is crucial.

Attention to detail

An audio transcript is never completed in a single take. Sometimes we can listen to a recording several times before filling in all the blanks and making complete sense of it. It takes perseverance and determination to understand when voices are muffled or talking over one another, and we always get there in the end!

Proofreading

When you’re typing at speed, errors can occur. Once we’ve finished typing a transcript, your transcriber will always go through it with a fine-tooth comb to correct any typos and review it for grammar and punctuation. High standards of proofing ensure the final version is clean and free from errors.

Editing

When we talk one to one we don’t always use words efficiently. In general chit chat we tend to pepper the conversation with filler words. Common ones include “basically” and “you know”, along with the classic “err”!

Unless you brief us to transcribe verbatim (word for word), such as for a police interview or legal records, a transcriber will automatically edit out all the “ums”, “ahs” and superfluous words we use in speech that don’t translate well to a written format. This results in a more readable and useful document for the end user.

Efficient turnaround

Many transcribers started their careers in administrative or secretarial roles in the corporate and public sector. We’re used to working under pressure and in fast-paced environments. Providing a speedy turnaround and efficient service is in our nature.

Sector knowledge and experience

Legal, medical, scientific and academic texts can be complex and difficult to understand to an outsider. Choosing a transcriber with experience in your sector means you won’t have to field questions, they’ll just get on with producing an accurate, readable document.

Adaptable IT skills

Being a good transcriber involves knowing a few keyboard shortcuts and being able to use a variety of document templates. Clients often ask us to transcribe into their template. We adapt to using different document styles and formats to give the client what they want.

To discuss your next transcription project, please contact us on 07786 271871 or use the form below.

Why Choose Us?

GDPR Compliant

We take your data and reputation seriously. That’s why we are 100% GDPR compliant.

Confidential & secure data transfer

Upload your files using our secure service.

UK Based

All our staff are UK based and vetted by us before handling any company data.

The Power of Transcription in Business Meetings

The Power of Transcription in Business MeetingsUnlocking clear communicationIn the fast paced world of business today, having a clear, concise record of your meetings, capturing every decision and action is vital. With accurate transcription, there can be no debate as...

The 12 rules of transcription

The 12 rules of transcriptionNever mind the twelve days of Christmas! As the festive season is upon us, we decided to create the twelve rules of transcription. It’s not quite the same as the catchy song, but it should help anyone who’s thinking of using the services...

Police and Criminal Evidence transcription services

Police and Criminal Evidence Transcription ServicesThink back to the last gritty police drama you binge watched. Line of Duty? Narcos? Luther? You may have never heard of the term PACE interview before, but we guarantee you know what’s involved if you’ve watched one...

Why use a transcriber to create your video subtitles?

Why use a transcriber to create your video subtitles?It’s no secret that video content provides excellent return on investment. But what if you could grow this return and reach an even bigger audience? Subtitling is a simple way to increase video reach and engagement....

How safe is your data with a transcription service?

How safe is your data with a transcription service? Data protection is an important consideration when using a third party to transcribe confidential information. Audio recordings often form part of a criminal examination, a legal case or a private investigation....

How to produce a quality audio recording for your transcriber

Background noise makes it that bit more challenging for a transcriber to write an accurate reflection of an audio commentary. You’d be surprised just how many audio recordings we receive with noise in the background. Over the years, we’ve transcribed recordings containing street and road noise, general chit chat, and TV football commentary in the background – once even having to contend with a parrot repeating what the speaker said!

Benefits of Transcription

Organisations are increasingly looking to support their in-house teams with outsourced administrative and secretarial services . Transcription is one of the outsourced services we provide to various different sectors and professions.
In this post, we take a look at some of the professions we support with transcription services. Some of them might surprise you.

Women’s Hour – BBC Radio 4

A while ago I featured on BBC Radio 4′s Woman’s Hour, where they were looking at handwriting versus typing and I was interviewed about learning to touch type.

When you think about it, it’s fascinating how things have changed over a reasonably short time.

Transcription: DIY or Outsource?

I became a freelance virtual PA over 10 years ago. Previous to that I had worked as a senior level PA within many large organisations, but I decided to take the plunge into self-employment, hoping there would be enough work to keep me busy…and I’m glad to say there has! In recent times I have been increasingly busy, which is great, but it has also surprised me in some ways.

Why outsourcing is more cost effective for Solicitors

It’s that time of the year when my solicitors are considering cover while their secretaries are away on holiday.

We have been receiving lots of enquiries from solicitors looking to outsource projects from typing up witness statements, telephone attendance notes, file notes, letters, letters of appointment, emails, file opening forms to looking after your diary, internet research and proofreading.