Transcription can be a bit puzzling, especially for new clients. They often ask, ‘Which type of transcription is the best fit for my project?’
Today’s guide will walk you through the three types of transcriptions. We will share definitions and throw in some real-life examples.
Now, let’s get into the three main transcription types:
Verbatim Transcription
Verbatim transcription captures every word and sound in a video or audio recording. The transcriptionist will write down every filler word, pause, background noise, and throat clearing.
This type of transcription is necessary in legal proceedings, such as police interviews or transcribing body cam footage. Every detail, even the nuances in speech and environmental sounds, holds significance in these contexts.
Other use cases of verbatim transcription include:
- Court proceedings
- 911 Calls
- Arbitration proceedings
- Legal audio evidence
Example of Verbatim Transcription
Detective: “Could you walk us through what went down that night?”
Witness: “Um, yeah. So, I was, you know, just walking home, and then [mimics a gesture of a gun going off] I heard this loud bang. I saw this guy booking it, and [short pause] he had a mask on. I think he went that way. [brief pause and points to the right] It was, like, really scary, you know?”
In this video transcription, the transcriptionist has included gestures, filler words, slang, and other nuances to represent the witness’s spoken content accurately.
Intelligent Transcription
In intelligent transcription, the transcriptionist does not include pauses, background noises, or filler words. This is fitting in cases where these elements do not interfere with the context of the audio.
Use cases of intelligent transcription:
- HR interview with a potential candidate
- Customer support calls
- Boardroom discussions
- Podcasts
- Media interviews
Example of Intelligent Transcription
Detective: “Could you walk us through what went down that night?”
Witness: “I was just walking home, and then I heard this loud bang. I saw this guy booking it, and he had a mask on. I think he went that way. It was really scary.”
The transcriptionist has edited out the filler words, pauses, and gestures. However, to preserve the tone and voice of the speakers, they have kept some slang expressions. The goal of intelligent transcription is to provide a polished and precise representation of the spoken content while staying true to the style of the original conversation.
Edited Transcription
Edited transcripts are more polished to improve clarity and readability. Here, the transcriptionist goes a step further and removes repetitions, and non-standard words like irregardless, finishes unfinished sentences, rectifies slang, and eliminates unnecessary elements.
Use cases of edited transcription:
- Lectures
- Conference proceedings
- Training manuals
- Corporate presentations
Example of Edited Transcription:
Detective: “Can you walk us through what happened that night?”
Witness: “I was walking home when I heard a loud bang. I saw a guy quickly leaving, wearing a mask. I think he went that way. It was frightening.”
The transcriptionist corrected slang and grammar but still maintained the context and accuracy of the recording.
Unlock Precision with Our Transcription Services
At Transcribers Digest, we understand the importance of customized solutions. Whether you need Verbatim, Intelligent, or Edited Transcriptions, we’ve got you covered. Contact us now to explore how we can help you.