What is Transcription?
Very I often, I’m asked what transcription is. Transcription is the transferring of recorded audio material into the written word. What does this mean in layman’s terms? It means that any material that needs to be documented can be recorded and transcribed, either live or at a later stage. Transcription can be done from analog or digital material although the trend is moving towards digital currently.
What is a Transcriptionist?
A transcriptionist is a person who transcribes the recorded material into the written word, usually making use of a computer, headphones, speakers and digital or analog playback equipment.
What Material Can Be Transcribed?
Material that can be transcribed includes but is not limited to: Speeches, notes, interviews, conferences, medical reports, forensic reports, letters, articles, website content, press releases, case reports, disciplinary enquiries, investigations and media reports.
Who can Make Use of A Transcriptionist?
Almost anybody can. People who can make use of transcriptionists include but are not limited to: Journalists, students, entrepreneurs, company directors, insurance agents, forensics teams, secret shoppers, lawyers, doctors and other medical professionals, production companies, government officials, university professors and other researchers, strategic consultants, translators, and corporates.
What types of transcription are there?
There are three genres of transcription – general transcription, where any material of a general nature is transcribed, legal transcription, where material such as disciplinary hearings and court cases is transcribed, and medical transcription, which requires training and experience.
What materials do you need? To start up, I don’t advise getting expensive equipment. You need an up to date computer, a fast internet connection, a word processor (recommend MS Word), speakers and headphones (both can be obtained cheaply), and dictation playback software (I recommend Express Scribe, which can be downloaded from www.nch.com.au. Only after you obtain clients need you consider buying anything more elaborate and this may not even be necessary.
By
Gaynor Paynter
Owner: Typewrite Transcription and Typing Services CC.
gpaynter@telkomsa.net / www.typewritetranscription.co.za
Gaynor Paynter is a writer and transcriptionist living in Johannesburg, South Africa.
