Audio Transcription

Verbatim transcription is the conversion of recorded spoken words into text, including every minute detail of what was said. A huge amount of spoken words are recorded for subsequent transcription into text. One day it might be possible for computers, as in Star Trek, to understand and process every word that we say, converting our speech into the printed text at the touch of button - or a verbal command. However, at the moment that task is performed by human audio transcription.

To transcribe a digital audio file is not as simple as it might. People do not speak in neat, coherent sentences. Everyday speech, including that used in many meetings and interviews, is not measured and well structured. Listening to a short exchange between two people will demonstrate how many sentences are begun and not completed, words are repeated, and pauses for thought are represented by 'filler' words or phrases, such as: kind of, sort of, you know.

Verbatim transcription captures in text the words as they are spoken, including all of these fillers, repeats, incomplete sentences, random words and even the 'ums' and the 'ers', exclamations, gasps and throat clearing. It represents exactly the live conversation or speech as it happened. This detailed level of transcription is important when recording speech that might be used in a legal context or when there is a need to capture the exact patterns of speech. It is the most detailed form of audio transcription available. However, it is also the most expensive form of transcription because the transcriber is allowed no margin for interpretation, and must capture every sound.

Other types of transcription are available which eliminate unnecessary phrases or filler words while maintaining the meaning of what was said. In most situations where audio transcription is being used the detailed verbatim transcription is not required. A less expensive option will give usually the required level of detail, and produce a transcription which is easier to read.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A_Michaels