8 Interesting Trivia for Transcribers

It's Monday again!

My third guest post in a series of four is published on Bridie's blog: Why outsource your transcription? Read it, like it, RT it!

That done, lets move on.

Today's post is actually from an email chain I got from friends.  I collated a few trivia related to typing or English language that might be interesting to transcribers and typists.  Hope you enjoy.

'Stewardesses' is the longest word typed with only the left hand

Transcribers! Would You Like to Replace Me?

I'm moving to KPMG next month. That means my current employer, KeyStroke Pro, is looking for someone to replace me!

Is There a Demand for General Transcribers?

The need for general transcriptionists is good. This is due in part to the fact you're able to take on a variety of different clients. Some transcriptionists choose to niche into a specific field such as real estate, insurance or marketing and still have plenty of work to keep them busy.

Whether you chose to concentrate on one specific field or transcribe for various fields, there are always plenty of opportunities to find clients. As with many other service-oriented businesses, many of your clients may come from recommendations from past clients.

By providing a high quality service and meeting the needs of your clients,you'll greatly improve your chances for success in this type of business. Here are just a few people may need your transcription services:

• College Students - Students will often record lectures on hand-held recorders. Many times they like to have these lectures and recordings transcribed.
• Social Work Agencies - Government agencies often times record their meetings and need these transcribed. Some agencies have "on the record" interviews with legal witnesses or parents who are being investigated by the courts and will often need these recordings transcribed so the transcripts can later be used during legal proceedings.
• Realtors - Realtors may record a variety of letters which then need to be transcribed. 
• Insurance Companies - Insurance companies need an accurate record of all claims made. The loss adjustors will often record notes about the claims and you will need to go through a standard template and transcribe these notes for the client's records.
• Charities and similar organizations - Many charities make an audio recording of their meetings and then like to have these transcribed for their official records.
• Book Publishers - Although book publishers often have personal letters and meetings they like transcribed, they also often have work to be edited. Good transcriptionists are also good at editing as it goes hand in hand with the job. Book publishers need people with a keen eye for detail to help edit transcripts.
• Life coaches, business consultants, online marketers/bloggers and speakers are just a few more busy professionals who also need transcription services. Many of these people like to maximize their content and will have their speaking events or client coaching sessions transcribed. With online marketers and bloggers, there are tele-seminars, coaching events, and audio products which can all be transcribed too.

As you can see, there is a lot of general transcription work available; the key is to know how to find it and how to approach potential clients.

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Commonly Confused Words: W & Y

Since transcribers simultaneously type as they listen to audio or video dictations in their ears they are prone to confuse words, especially similar sounding words (homophones) with usually different spellings.

Not only homophones, sometimes homonyms also confuse transcribers.  Homonyms have similar spelling and pronunciations but different meanings. This is especially true of legal and real estate/building related words and phrases.  Common words we use generally are used in very different context and meanings.

Essential Skills of an Audio Transcriber

Along with good typing skills there are a few other essential skills needed to be a good audio transcriber.

Essential skills of an audio transcriber:

• Ability to apply common sense. Often times you won't understand what the dictation is saying and you'll need to try to put the phrase into context to figure out what the speaker means.
• A keen eye for detail. This will help in proofreading and editing to ensure you turn in the highest quality work.
• Strong work ethics. You'll have to meet deadlines and be extremely reliable.
• Good organizational skills. If you have a lot of clients it's important to stay organized. 
• Good communication skills. For marketing your business and dealing with clients. 
• Professionalism and discreetness (often times you'll be transcribing very sensitive documents which require full confidentiality).
• Basic computer skills and the ability to get around a word processing program
• A good grasp of the English language, good spelling and grammar skills

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If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)

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