After recording an interview, transcribing it is the next big step. It requires listening skills, patience and careful editing. An hour-long interview will easily take 6 to 7 hours, depending on your typing skill. Take enough time to transcribe to maintain accuracy.
- Write the name of the interviewer, interviewee, time, date and location, where it took place.
- Interviews are generally in question and answer format. Use foot pedal to stop and start your tape. Play a small section at a time and type as you hear them. Repeat the tape as and when required. Include both questions as well as interviewee's answer.
- Transcribe each and every word. Sometimes some words are not very clear, there you read the whole paragraph and make an intelligent guess. Put that into a bracket to show that it is your text, not from the original sources.
- Insert a paragraph in between whenever an interviewee makes a new idea. Put a space in between each speaker. If needed, you can edit into more paragraph in the final copy.
- After finishing the initial draft, listen to the tape again. Read the transcribed interview at the same time. Do corrections, if necessary.
- Now start editing. Spell out abbreviations and clear all punctuations.
- Correct grammar and the content in the final copy.
- Edit excessive use of verbal tics like “I mean”, “you know” etc. You can also edit ‘um’, ‘uh’ like fillers, which is a distraction while delivering a message of the total interview.
- Save each stage of your typed interview in a separate file for further reference.
- Check spelling for the last time. Now it is ready for publication.
We offer standard transcript formats or can create a custom format on request. Here is a brief overview of our transcript formats and style types.
Get a Sample of a GMR Transcript
Transcribing interviews takes time. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help in freeing up your time to perform more interviews to collect further data or just take a nap.
Also Read: Transcription services-A business perspective
Beth Worthy
Beth Worthy is the Cofounder & President of GMR Transcription Services, Inc., a California-based company that has been providing accurate and fast transcription services since 2004. She has enjoyed nearly ten years of success at GMR, playing a pivotal role in the company's growth. Under Beth's leadership, GMR Transcription doubled its sales within two years, earning recognition as one of the OC Business Journal's fastest-growing private companies. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids.
