3 Different Types of Transcription: Which is Best for You?

What are the different Types of Transcription?

In general terms, transcription refers to the conversion of an audio file or a video file into a written document. You are taking something that was originally spoken and writing it down. But under the general umbrella of transcription there are a number of different options. The type of transcription you get depends on your needs and how you are going to use the transcription. Find out about three different types of transcription and how they are used.

1. Verbatim Transcription

Verbatim transcription is where every word, utterance, background noise, laugh, emotion, and non-verbal communication is recorded exactly as it happened in the audio file. The transcriber must be highly accurate when dealing with verbatim transcription in order to record everything – even words that may not be finished or grammatically correct, coughs, emotion implied in an utterance – everything that can be taken from the audio must be recorded. This type of transcription is the most complex and time consuming to complete. It also requires skilled transcriptionists. Verbatim transcription is often used for legal proceedings. If you need this type of transcription, check that the transcription services company is able to guarantee a high degree of accuracy and check that the quality of the transcription is high.

2. Edited Transcription

Another type of transcription that is not as true-to-real-life as verbatim is the edited transcription. Here the transcriber can omit elements of the recording that are not relevant, providing that they do not change the meaning of the words or the recording. For example, coughs and ums and ahs can be omitted, when they do not affect what is being said. This type of transcription is also complex because the transcriber must be able to discern what is important and what can be omitted. A transcriber has to have a good deal of skill to be able to do this in a timely and accurate manner. This type of transcription is used in business contexts – for annual reports, training manuals, etc. – and for recording conferences, lectures, etc.

3. Intelligent Transcription

Often transcription services provide documents that are ready for print and ready to view, in a format that is intelligently put together and easy to read. This means that the transcriber must not only be able to understand what is being said, but have the skill to put it all together in a format that is intelligent and useful. It requires time to put this type of document together, and the transcriber needs to have an overview of the subject matter and the expectations of the client in order to put together a high quality document.

If you are not sure what type of transcription service you need, consult a professional transcription company and discuss your needs, and the best solution to your transcription requirements.

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