Those not accustomed to the term, Transcribing is the process through which one converts audio or speech files into written or electronic text documents. An avid, seasoned transcriptionist should have the ability to research, multitask, type quickly, and type accurately.
If you’re new to the realm of Transcribing, do not worry. An amateur can also improve his or her transcribing speed by making use of the ideal equipment, learning to type quickly, and setting aside a healthy and ergonomic workspace.
With practice and dedication, even you will be able to transcribe quickly in next to no time. Note though, in this post I’ll be talking about transcribing a speech or audio file from a specific language to the same language, but in written form.
If you’d like written versions of an audio file in different languages, you can find multi-language transcription services at an affordable price. Individuals and firms offering these services can transcribe an audio file to any language you want.
Without further ado, here are four ways to transcribe faster
1. Purchase headphones of good quality
Using high-quality earphones ensures that you hear your audio sound clearly, making it easy to understand. This prevents you from feeling the need to go back over the audio file over and over again, attempting to make out verses that seem imperceptible.
You can acquire high-quality earphones for as less as 30 dollars at your local Walmart store or appliance store.
Ensure the headphones you choose offer comfort, frequency change, and sound isolation.
2. Make use of transcription software
Ideal transcribing programs allow you to speed up, slow down, pause, rewind, and forward your audio file at your discretion. With the right software, you can accomplish these using simple keyboard shortcuts or hotkeys that improve your speed.
Download a free transcription software or find one online to purchase. Here are several free, transcribing software:
- Express Scribe
- InqScribe
- MacSpeech
3. Learn how to type faster
As you already know, transcribing is all about typing. If you would like your transcription speed to exceed your wildest dreams, you need to be an excellent typist. The 1st step when it comes to learning how to type quickly is using all ten fingers. Yes, you’ll also need to use your pinky fingers.
Even if you’re a great typist, you may be neglecting you pinky fingers or favor one hand compared to another; and this further translates to a slower typing speed.
To rectify this, Re-familiarize yourself with the home row finger placement. Position your pointer fingers on your “J” and “F” keys, then review which keyboard keys should be governed by which fingers.
4. Consider using a keyboard
A real keyboard with tiny supports (not your laptop) is a vital typing tool. When you’re on your desktop typing for hours, you will need to take good care of your wrists. Using a separate keyboard with a slight height is the most effective way to be gentle to your wrists.
Proper wrist positioning can also improve your transcription speed, and this is precisely what a real keyboard offers.
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