How to Transcribe Your Audio to Text

December 2022

2 min read

Writing a transcript can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tips and tricks, you can create a competent professional transcript in no time.

Whether you are writing a transcript for a court case, a school, or a professional setting, having a clear and accurate transcript adds clarity to the context.

This article will give you simple tips to create a transcript that is accurate, organized, and easy to read. Read on and learn how to write an accurate and polished transcript.

1. Listen Before Transcribing an Interview or Other Recording

Always listen to the audio/video first. It helps you identify the speakers and understand the flow of the conversation.

Listening to audio beforehand gives you an idea about the quality of the recording. Background noise or interference makes it difficult to transcribe. If you don’t understand a term, note it down, and look it up online.

2. Transcribe the First Draft

When you start transcribing the files, you don’t have to worry about getting them right in the first go. If you’re unsure of something, you can go back and fix it later. You don’t have to stress about the grammar, not yet, at least!

You can include sound effects or pauses if required. Ensure to prioritize your client’s needs. There are various types of transcription, so make sure you are aware of your client’s demand for transcription type. Whether it is verbatim or non-verbatim, you can add or remove filler words accordingly.

When you complete the first draft, review your transcript and make the necessary changes and corrections.

3. Edit Your Transcript for Accuracy

While editing the draft, check for accuracy in your transcript by looking over names, numbers, and other details. Review for grammar, punctuation, and typos. In this step, you must ensure that the transcript matches the audio’s content, so you have a clean and accurate transcript.

Thoroughly research abbreviations that are new to you. It is a crucial step for transcription as it helps you with the context and provides certainty.

4. Format the Transcription

When you complete the editing, it's time to format the transcription. The complete transcription should include:

Distinct Paragraphs ✅
Speaker Labeling ✅
Timestamp ✅

When formatting, avoid having large blocks of text, as it hampers readability. Different companies have different requirements. Look out for your client’s formatting needs. Create paragraphs whenever there is a new speaker and include a timestamp each time a new person speaks.

[0:00] Speaker 1: Hi, everyone. I hope you're all doing well.

[0:03] Speaker 2: Hey, John. I'm doing okay. How about you?

[0:06] Speaker 1: I'm doing great. Let's get started. So, we wanted to talk about the new project.

5. Finalize the Transcription Process

Proofread the transcript to ensure that all of the information is accurate and that the transcript matches the tone of the recording. Once these steps are completed, the transcription is ready to be submitted.

If you want to transcribe and get it right the first time, follow these steps to level up your transcription skills. These steps will help you ensure the accuracy and quality of the transcription.

Discover more in-depth practices that a transcriber needs to follow while transcribing.

If you want to outsource or learn how transcription works in certain companies, visit our website, and we can help clear your doubts.