There are several ways you can assist your transcriptionist in producing error-free transcripts with few blanks. As a bonus, you just may decrease the cost of transcription services for yourself too!

Tips for quality dictating/recording:

• Do not eat, drink, or chew gum while dictating.

• Speak clearly and at a regular pace.

• Avoid speaking in a monotone.

• Use a digital recorder. Standard or mini cassette tapes create a lower quality audio. It is also more difficult to find a transcriptionist who still works with cassette tapes. You may also be charged a fee for converting the tape to a digital file.

• Take care to record in a quiet area/room. Recorders easily pick up background noise.

• Make sure all cell phones are turned off for the duration of the recording.

• Do not shuffle papers or make loud noises while recording. If this happens, repeat what you were saying during this time or pause and re-record this section.

• Do not place the recorder too close to your mouth; this may cause static.

• Do not place the recorder too far away from your mouth or it may not pick up your voice.

• Make sure all voices are able to be picked up on the recording. For example, if audience members are speaking and/or asking questions, make sure each one has a microphone before he or she begins speaking.

• If more than one person is on the recording, take care not to speak over one another or interject. Wait until each person stops talking or pauses.

• If more than two people are speaking on the recording, have each one state his or her name before speaking. It is quite difficult to tell who is speaking during a recording (especially audio) when there are multiple voices. Transcriptionists often charge more for focus groups for this very reason.

• Test your recorder. If it is not functioning correctly or recording clearly, invest in a new one.

General tips:

• If you have multiple files that need transcribing, submit them to your transcriptionist as they are completed. Submitting them all at once or at the last minute will definitely have you paying a premium price for large orders or express services.

• Have digital audio and video versions of your recording saved on your computer and ready to be sent over the Internet. This will give you a greater range of transcription services (and price ranges) to choose from. If your recording is only on DVD, CD, or cassette tape, you may be restricted to choosing a transcriptionist in your area and/or have to send the media through the mail, which will extend your turnaround time.

• Submit a list of names, places, abbreviations, and unusual words along with your audio or spell them at the beginning of your recording. This will significantly decrease the number of blanks left in your final transcript.

• Carry extra batteries for your recorder just in case.

• Avoid making unnecessary reaffirming comments like “Mm-hm” and “Really?” while interviewing someone. This will also cut down on the length of your recording and save you money.

Following these tips can get you the quality transcript you want at a price you can afford. Contact OmegaTranscripts.com today to order general transcription services.