A speech transcription consultant is a person who listens to audio/video content and converts it to text.
Industries such as law, politics, academia, research, journalism, and marketing hire speech transcriptionists. As the demand for transcription services is on the rise, more people are joining the profession. However, not all transcribers are suited to every project and can deliver error-free transcripts. This might make it difficult for businesses and individuals looking to hire talented transcribers.
Factors to Consider When Hiring a Speech Transcriptionist
Whether you’re looking to transcribe an academic talk or a speech given by your local representative, hiring a professional transcriber is a good idea. With the large pool of freelance transcribers and transcription service companies, it might seem impossible to pick the best one. Here are seven points to consider when you’re sourcing the best speech transcription consultant for your needs.
Turnaround Time
It might be essential to find out how much time it will take for a transcriber to work on your files. Some transcription consultants will take too long and therefore inconvenience you.
It is also crucial to establish whether it is possible to access their services on holidays or weekends (if that is important to you.) Moreover, you should determine if you can track the progress of your files and whether the consultant’s system will allow you to flag a project as urgent.
Level of Accuracy
Some fields demand zero errors for transcripts. Mistakes in transcription can change the message’s meaning, which may have adverse effects. Some transcription service providers use 100% human transcription instead of automated speech recognition tools to enhance accuracy. When hiring a transcription company, it is essential to determine the measures they put in place to ensure the precision of the final product.
Security and Confidentiality
Some audio/video files may contain sensitive data that you must keep confidential. It is fundamental that you establish whether a transcription company is privacy compliant. Finding out the measures the company has taken to ensure the safety of its system’s data in case of a cyber attack is also vital.
Cost
The cost of transcription should be reasonable and not compromise on quality. Different service providers will charge by the hour, by the minute, or by the word. Whichever the case, ensure that you are not overcharged or paying too low that you end up with a substandard transcript. You can ask for several quotes before deciding on the most reasonable one.
Technical Know-How and Experience
Ascertain whether the transcriptionist has the adequate technical knowledge to handle your project. While the process of transcribing might seem similar across industries, each field has its unique formatting requirements and jargon.
Technical Capacity
Before hiring a transcription service provider, determine whether its system allows you to upload huge files at a go. You can also find out if the provider can include time stamps on the transcript and whether they accommodate customized templates. Additionally, ensure that the company has a convenient transcript delivery method.
Availability of Customer Support
Can the transcription service provider offer post-project support if you need adjustments? Establish whether they offer 24/7 support because time differences might be a significant issue. Opt for personalized customer service. A dedicated project manager is valuable since you can reach them directly if you need support.
Final Thoughts
Speech transcripts play a significant role in a business’s success. They are essential in generating SEO-friendly web content, archiving, and capturing the details of an event that you can easily refer back to.
Whether you are looking for a transcript for a speech, interview, or phone call, it is crucial that you hire reputable transcription specialists, such as GoTranscript. Essentially, you want a team that will deliver high-quality transcripts in a reasonable turnaround time without breaking your bank.
