An Introduction to the Types of Transcription and How to Choose

Transcription is the process of converting speech or audio into written text. It has many applications, such as creating subtitles for videos, documenting interviews or meetings, or producing transcripts for legal or medical purposes. Transcription is used in different fields, such as journalism, education, law, medicine, business, and entertainment. It can help improve accessibility, accuracy, and efficiency of communication and information.

However, not all transcription types are the same. Depending on the source material's purpose and quality and the client's requirements, different transcription types may be more suitable than others. In this post, we explain the main types of transcription: edited, verbatim, and intelligent, and how to choose the best type for your needs.

The Main Types of Transcription

1.) Edited transcription

Edited transcription focuses on delivering a clear and concise document that is easy to read and understand. Edited transcription involves omitting or correcting some parts of the original content deemed unnecessary, irrelevant, redundant, or grammatically incorrect. For example, filler words (such as "um," "uh," and "like"), false starts, repetitions, stutters, slang, and colloquialisms may be removed or replaced with more formal language. Edited transcription may also rephrase or restructure some sentences to improve clarity and coherence.

Edited transcription is suitable for clients who want a polished and professional document that captures the main ideas and messages of the original content. Edited transcription is often used for academic research, business reports, presentations, speeches, podcasts, and interviews.

Example:

• Original content: "So yeah, I mean, I think that's basically it for today's meeting. Um...any questions or comments from anyone? No? Okay then...uh...thanks for your time and attention guys. See you next week."

• Edited transcription: "That concludes today's meeting. Any questions or comments? None? Thank you for your time and attention. See you next week."

2.) Verbatim Transcription

Verbatim transcription is a type of transcription that captures every word and sound of the original content exactly as they are spoken or written. Verbatim transcription does not omit or correct anything from the original content, even if they are grammatical errors, filler words, false starts, repetitions, stutters, slang, or colloquialisms. Verbatim transcription may also include non-verbal cues and sounds, such as pauses, laughter, coughing, sighing, etc.

Verbatim transcription is suitable for clients who want a detailed and accurate document reflecting the original content's tone and context. Verbatim transcription is often used for legal proceedings, medical records, psychological studies, media analysis, and qualitative research.

Example:

• Original content: "So yeah, I mean, I think that's basically it for today's meeting. Um...any questions or comments from anyone? No? Okay then...uh...thanks for your time and attention guys. See you next week.

• "Verbatim transcription: "So yeah (pause) I mean (pause) I think that's basically it for today's meeting (pause) Um (pause) any questions or comments from anyone? (pause) No? (pause) Okay then (pause) uh (pause) thanks for your time and attention guys (pause). See you next week (laughter)."

3.) Intelligent Transcription

Intelligent transcription is a type of transcription that captures the meaning and essence of the original content without including unnecessary or irrelevant details. Intelligent transcription involves omitting parts of the original content deemed insignificant or distracting from the main points and messages. For example, filler words (such as "um," "uh," and "like"), false starts, repetitions, stutters, slang, and colloquialisms may be removed. However, intelligent transcription does not correct grammatical errors or rephrase sentences as long as they do not affect the meaning or clarity of the content.

Intelligent transcription may also include some non-verbal cues and sounds, such as pauses, laughter, coughing, sighing, etc., if relevant to the context or convey some emotion or attitude.

Intelligent transcription is suitable for clients who want a concise and clear document that preserves the meaning and intent of the original content. Intelligent transcription is often used for transcripts, subtitles, captions, and summaries.

Example:

• Original content: "So yeah, I mean, I think that's basically it for today's meeting. Um... any questions or comments from anyone? No? Okay then... uh... thanks for your time and attention guys. See you next week."

• Intelligent transcription: "That's it for today's meeting. Any questions? No? Thanks for your time and attention. See you next week."

How to Choose a Transcription Type

The choice of a transcription type depends on several factors, such as:

• The purpose and audience of the transcription: What is the goal of the transcription? Who will read or use it? How will it be presented or distributed?

• The quality and format of the source material: How clear and audible is the speech? How many speakers are there? How fast or slow do they speak? How formal or informal is their language? How structured or spontaneous is their conversation?

• The budget and time constraints of the project: How much money and time are available for the transcription? How much human intervention or editing is required? How much automation or software assistance is possible?

You can choose a transcription type that best suits your needs based on these factors. For example:

• If you need high-quality and accurate transcription for legal or academic purposes, choose verbatim transcription. However, this type of transcription may be more expensive and time-consuming than other types.

• If you need a clear and concise transcription for business or media purposes, choose edited transcription. However, this type of transcription may require some human intervention or editing to ensure consistency and correctness.

• Consider choosing intelligent transcription if you need a brief and coherent transcription for marketing or entertainment purposes. However, this type of transcription may lose some details or nuances of the speech that may be important for some audiences.

In Conclusion

Transcription is a useful and versatile tool to help you create text from speech. However, not all transcription types are the same. Depending on your purpose and preferences, you can choose a transcription type that best suits your needs. Hopefully, this post has helped you understand the main types of transcription and how to choose them.