James is based at home, armed only with a PC, a foot pedal and some specialist software, as well as a deep passion for language and grammar.
“First, I download the recording from Appen’s secure website. Then, I check the deadline,” explains James. “Often, the client will provide a list of names, tricky spellings or specialist terms, and I almost always do my own extra background research too – it all helps make the transcript more accurate.”
Working quickly but with great skill, James transcribes the audio recordings, using a pre-agreed template. Once the first draft is done, it’s uploaded to the same secure website, where it’s checked by an Appen editor.
“I really value Appen’s quality checks,” James says. “To know they are monitoring my work keeps me on my toes and stops me from getting complacent.”
Transcription can be a rewarding and flexible career, with just the right amount of challenges, according to James.
“The work’s never dull. Over the space of a day I could move from an investigative interview on the other side of the world to an employment tribunal down the road. I also love the flexibility it provides, for both me and the clients. Grappling with different accents can be testing sometimes, but I believe there’s a science to it – and it’s a key skill for audio transcription.”
Is there anything clients can do to make the transcriber’s job easier and ensure the best possible finished product?
James’s top tips for an accurate transcript are:
- Provide a comprehensive list of names, terms, acronyms and jargon.
- Speak clearly, at an even pace. Don’t mumble or whisper.
- Stay as close to the microphone as possible.
- Use the best quality recording equipment you can get.
- Try not to talk over each other (called ‘overspeaking’) or talk too fast.
- Avoid using a video link if you can, as the audio quality is usually poor.
