You may think that transcribing is not something worth paying attention to learn. After all, it is tough to download an audio file and listen to it, right? But unfortunately, you and so many other people have the wrong perception about transcribing. You should rather take transcribing as a profession and make the most of it.
To become a pro transcriptionist, you need to hard work and dedication. Just like flying an airplane is not every ones’ cup of tea; similarly, transcribing is not something that anybody can opt for.
Speed and accuracy is the key to enhance your performance as a transcriber. You have to listen about different topics to convert them in a written form afterward, so you need a good concentration level to do that.
Time also plays a crucial part, and you may need to submit some transcripts urgently, depending on its priority. Also, you have to meet the quality standards because solely submitting your transcript with poor quality is useless. The more you practice this art, the better you will be able to deliver.
Here is a complete guide that will help you understand what are the essential skills that you should learn to have a strong grip on transcribing.
Excellent Listening
Having good listening capabilities is the basic need for your transcription work. Regardless of the topic you get for your transcribing work; you have to understand the dialogues properly. You may face some audio issues like noise or distortion, but you have to find a way to overcome it.
In different situations, you have to guess yourself intelligently about the audio parts that are hardly decipherable. Listening is the base of transcribing, and this is where all of it starts. If you genuinely want to learn how to transcribe a video, then your listening accuracy will help you to get the job done. You can also use different software that can help you to improve your listening.
Good Memory
Great listening and sharp memory help you to fulfill transcribing responsibilities effectively. With a good memory, you can memorize the content. Then you don’t have to pause the audio or video, again and again, to note down the dialogues.
The ability to catch every word without frequent replays also helps you to save time and increases your work speed.
Accuracy with Fast Speed
The average typing speed of any person is 40 to 45 words per minute. But it is not good enough to meet the highest standards of transcribing. You need to produce at least 80 to 100 words per minute to work as a professional transcriber.
Speed is crucial when you have to deliver your task on time, but without accuracy, it is fruitless. Let suppose; if you want to become a medical transcriptionist, then you must deliver the error-free work. The reason is that your single mistake can cost greatly in the diagnosis of the patient.
You can consider different software available online that will help you to bring more accuracy and speed in your work, but you also need to practice again and again.
Correct Grammar
Transcribing requires excellent grammar proficiency to convert the content in written form without changing its original meaning. It should convey the correct message to the reader as delivered in the spoken dialogues.
There are plenty of tools available now that can assist you in making corrections in your content, but you should not depend on them entirely. You must have a solid foundation to avoid all types of writing mistakes.
In-depth Research
Research is the key part of transcribing, and you must have strong research skills to gather information about diverse topics that will be assigned to you. In-depth research will also make you familiar with the different terminologies. You will be able to find out crucial details about brands and their operations in general.
Paying Attention to Details
To become an expert transcriptionist, you need to be a keen listener to collect all small details that are needed for original and smart transcriptions. For example, if the speaker repeats one word six times in the audio, then the transcriber should also type that particular word six times.
Gestures like hmm, Uhm, and laughter are also detailed by professional transcriptionists. These minor details help the reader to understand the accurate meaning that the speaker wants to convey, so paying attention to details is mandatory.
Staying Determined
If you want to qualify as a transcriptionist, then you have to stay focused and determined to do your job in an efficient and competent manner.
One file almost takes 6 hours to transcribe, so it’s not a walk in the park. You have to avoid distractions and focus on your work to be able to work for long hours. This is how you can come up with quality and perfect work.
Self Motivation
You have to be self-motivated and passionate to achieve your goals. If you are given the deadline for a particular task, then plan yourself how you will deliver top-notch work on time. The firm goal orientation ultimately leads to continuous progress for you. It brings perks and endless benefits from the company that you work for.
Ability to Adapt
Transcription is not confined to one area. You have to be a quick learner to comprehend various topics in a short time duration. It will transform you into a sound, sensible, and competent transcriptionist who can manage complex tasks easily, regardless of what the task is.
Smart Use of Technology
It is a misconception that transcriptionists should not have expertise in using computers. The truth is that you should know the proper use of Microsoft Word so that you can maximize and enhance it for appropriate transcription formats. You need to learn how you can use different transcription softwares to bring your work up to the mark.
Conclusion
The above-explained skills will help you to meet the standards of competent transcribing in the market. It will enable you to fulfill your duties by not compromising the quality and authentication of the work.
