Audio Transcription: What Skills Should You Have?

Audio transcription is converting audio files into a physical text format. Different audio files will be recorded in various file formats, and it is necessary to have the right tools, skills, and software to access these files and transcribe them properly.

Almost all modern companies require audio files of whether it was a meeting or an interview to be transcribed into text. There are different types of transcription available that are suited to other industries. For example, the legal sector will utilize legal transcription, and the hospital industry will use medical transcription. The reason for such specifications is often so that the hired audio transcriptionists know the terminology they have to work within the field.

If you want to be proficient at your job of being an audio transcriptionist, you should have the following skills-

1. Excellent listening skills- of course, is the first and most important skill that should be present in every audio file transcriptionist. To type everything out correctly, you should be able to first accurately listen to the file and understand what is being said. There are certain things, like different accents and different speeds, that you will have to deal with it.
2. Computer and internet savvy- to be a good audio file transcriber, you need to know how to use a computer to access and store files and use the internet for help with difficulties you may encounter. Additionally, if you are a transcriptionist, you must also be able to handle computer software that helps you adjust the speed and sound level of the audio file.
3. Quick and proficient typing skills- it is not enough to only be able to type words fast. In this job, it is also necessary for everything to be organized to be grammatically correct and properly spelled. Your speed and accuracy will decide how fast or slow you will be at your job. If you need to finish a certain number of audio files within a stipulated time, you must be able to keep up the speed. But at the same time, you cannot compromise the accuracy and quality of the transcriptions for the sake of speed.
4. Technologically prepared- although it may not seem like it, there are certain pieces of technology you have to own to carry out your job properly. In addition to the basic items, such as a computer and a proper headset, you should also ensure you have a pedal and transcription software. You need a pedal to slow down the audio file in case you need to hear the words clearer.

Transcribing audio files is a hard job that requires a lot of time and effort, and without these skills, you may find it very hard to keep up with the job’s requirements.