Audio Transcription: What Skills Should You Have?

Audio transcription is the process of converting audio files into a physical text format. Different audio files will be recorded in different 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 their 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 different industries. For example, the legal industry will utilise legal transcription, and the hospital industry will use medical transcription. The reason for such specifications is often so that the audio transcriptionists being hired are aware of the terminology that they have to work with in 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- this, of course, is the first and most important skill that should be present in every audio file transcriptionist. To be able to type everything out correctly, you should be able to first correctly 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- for you to be a good audio file transcriber, you need to know how to use a computer to access and store files as well as using the internet for help with difficulties that you may come across. Additionally, if you are a transcriptionist, you need also to 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 that is being typed to be grammatically correct as well as properly spelt. Your speed and accuracy will decide how fast or slow you are going to be at your job. If you need to finish a certain number of audio files within a stipulated amount of time, you need to 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 that you have to own to be able to carry out your job properly. In addition to the basic items such as a computer and a proper headset, you should also make sure you have a pedal and transcription software. The reason you need a pedal is 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 requirements of the job.