Two Examples of Audio Transcriptions

Audio and video content are the most popular ways of spreading information in this day and age. The production of audiovisual content is increasing mainly because of advancements in technology. Also, the consumption of this content is on the rise.

Sometimes, you might want to listen to an audio file or watch an interesting video, but your surroundings may not be ideal, like libraries or loud public areas. This is where transcription comes in. Transcription involves converting audio and video content into text form. Searching through text is much easier than going through audio or video when looking for a specific segment.

This article will cover the two basic types of audio transcription and provide examples of each. It will also cover the strategies you can use to achieve the best transcript, especially when the audio content is unclear. 

Types of Audio Transcription With Examples

The most popular transcription types include clean verbatim and full verbatim transcription. Each type depends on the target audience of the transcribed content, but their goal is the same - making access to information easier and more convenient. 

Full Verbatim Transcription

Full verbatim transcription is also known as strict verbatim or true verbatim. It captures everything in the audio file, including pauses, filler words, laughter, and noises like a door slamming and a phone ringing. For this reason, it’s used in situations where accuracy is critical and every small detail is relevant. 

Full Verbatim Audio Transcription Example

James: Fantastic, it’s recording. So, um, I am going to ask you several easy questions, or hard ones. [chuckles] You are free to add anything more.

Mercy: Okay.

James: To start with, what’s your current age?

Mercy: Um, I’m currently 26.

James: Okay. Um, what do you think about when someone mentions video games?

Mercy: Um, I think about something enjoyable that I can do during my free time.

James: Okay. On to the next one. Have you played video games in your life?

Mercy: Yeah, yeah, I have actually played a couple.

James: Okay. Do you remember your first game?

Mercy: Hmm, that’s actually a bit difficult.

James: [coughs]

Mercy: I’d probably say, um, probably Ping-Pong-

James: Mm-hmm. [chuckles]

Mercy: -but, um, come to think of it, my very first game was Super Mario Brothers.

James: Mm-hmm.

Mercy: Yeah, yeah. That was my first.

James: The one that would come with the computer? [laughs]

Mercy: Not really, but with the first Super Nintendo.

James: Yeah.

Mercy: Right, Most people actually had that. Not us, though. My first experience was at a friend’s place. He was among the very first people I know to own a console-

James: Yeah.

Mercy: -of any kind. My-my dad then, um, used to have a Commodore, but he only used it for his work. He only had Ping-Pong on it.

James: Mm-hmm.

Mercy: But since my dad, um, was always on his commodore, I never got to play it, so, um, I have to pick the Super Mario Brothers.

James: Mm. Okay, I see. That’s all for now.

Mercy: Okay, thank you very much. Um, it’s been a pleasure.

James: Alright.

[END OF AUDIO] 

Clean Verbatim Transcription

A clean verbatim transcription is also known as edited transcription or intelligent transcription. This type of transcription does not change the text’s meaning or paraphrase it. Also, it does not capture unnecessary words in the speaker’s speech. Non-verbal communication that does not add value to the content is left out, including filler words and stammering. The ultimate goal of this mode of transcription is to achieve a balance between readability and completeness. 

Clean Verbatim Audio Transcription Example

James: Fantastic, it’s recording. I am going to ask you several questions, or hard ones. [chuckles] You are free to add anything more.

Mercy: Okay.

James: To start with, what’s your current age?

Mercy: I’m currently 26.

James: What do you think about when someone mentions video games?

Mercy: I think about something enjoyable that I can do during my free time.

James: On to the next one. Have you played video games in your life?

Mercy: Yes, I have actually played a couple.

James: Do you remember your first game?

Mercy: That’s actually a bit difficult. I’d say Ping-Pong, but come to think of it, my very first game was Super Mario Brothers. Yes, that was my first.

James: The one that would come with the computer? [laughs]

Mercy: Not really, but with the first Super Nintendo. Most people actually had that. Not us, though. My first experience was at a friend’s place. He was among the very first people I know to own a console of any kind. My dad then used to have a Commodore, but he only used it for his work. He only had Ping-Pong on it.

James: Okay, I see. That’s all for now.

Mercy: Okay, thank you very much. It’s been a pleasure.

James: Alright.

[END OF AUDIO] 

Strategies to Achieve a High-Quality Transcription

A poor-quality recording can affect the quality of the transcript. Some factors that distort the audio quality include muffled voices, unnecessary background noise, lagged conversations, and overlapping conversations. A good transcript relays the information in the audio file without distorting the meaning.

One of the best ways to achieve an accurate transcription is to ensure your audio recording is as clear as possible, without interruptions, crosstalk, or unnecessary noise. But what do you do when you have an audio file that is not so clear? Here are some tips to make your transcripts clean and accurate. 

• Use a Quality Headset 

If you use a substandard headset, you may miss out on some words or sounds. On the other hand, a premium headset made for transcription will allow you to hear every detail in the audio and help you transcribe the content more accurately.  

• Use Sound Editors 

Sometimes you’ll end up with an audio or video file that’s riddled with background noise or speakers that are too quiet or too far from the recording device. Cleaning up the background noise or amplifying the audio if it’s too quiet with tools like Audacity should do the trick. 

• Go With a Professional Transcription Service 

Consider choosing human transcription over automated solutions for your audio recording. This transcription method involves experts working on your audio file. Unlike software, humans can understand the content, accents, and non-verbal cues. They can transfer all this information to text without losing the content’s meaning. Human transcribers also have an easier time with recordings that contain multiple speakers and lots of background noise. With human-based transcription, you get far more accurate results and save significant amount of time on editing your transcript. 

Final Thoughts

Today, transcription is a crucial component of multiple industries. It’s used in audio and video production, healthcare, law, education, marketing, and SEO. If you are looking for reliable transcription services, go with GoTranscript. Our expert transcriptionists can deal with all sorts of projects in over 50 languages, producing accurate and cost-effective transcripts in the shortest time possible.