Transcription is a practice which dates back to ancient Egyptian times. While we have evolved considerably and now use modern technology, the basic principle of recording what was said during a meeting for accuracy and proper records is a well-established practice. Let’s take a look at the process you need to go through to accurately transcribe a meeting.
Step 1: Recording Audio
The first step for transcription is recording the audio of the meeting. There are a few factors which can influence this, ranging from the type of recording equipment you use to background noise. These will all impact audio quality.
We advise that you record audio in a soundproof room, especially if the meeting contains a large number of participants. However, as long as you can clearly understand each of the speakers and differentiate between them, you can move on to the next stage of transcription.
As a few last-minute tips, do a few practice recordings before the meeting, and make sure you know how many recordings you need to take. After all, it never hurts to be prepared.
Step 2: Make a Transcription File
The second step of the transcription is the most important part because this is where you will convert the audio file into written text.
Many professional transcription services suggest that you take notes during the meeting to supplement the audio, but it’s your choice. However, you will need to accurately transcribe every sentence and word onto a document.
Take your time with transcription, and make sure you get a proper reading of each part of the audio. It’s important to be accurate above all else, which is why many transcriptions take hours for newcomers to complete.
Step 3: Proof and Check Your Transcription
The likelihood of you generating a perfect transcription on the first try is very low. Therefore, you need to make sure that you are taking the time to look over your transcription and make sure that it’s accurate, free of grammatical errors, and matches up with what’s being said.
Proofing is a very sensible idea. It will definitely pay dividends later. Don’t be afraid to double-check and triple-check to make sure everything is correct.
Final Thoughts
Transcription is a standard practice within any industry. However, being able to do transcription properly and at any semblance of speed is difficult. Trying to navigate the world of transcription is difficult for a beginner because it’s not as straightforward as you would think.
Because most people don’t have the technical skill or knowledge to have a proper transcription, they usually turn to professionals. EQ Transcription Services are available to offer you assistance when it comes to making the ideal transcription, offering quick and accurate work. If you can’t afford to get something wrong, it’s heavily recommended that you work with a professional. It makes a big difference overall, and can ensure that your meeting is accurately and authentically transcribed.
