Tips for making transcripts
Tags: transcript technique, transcript advice
Okay, as promised, I'm letting y'all know how I made my transcript. Please feel free to make suggestions, offer critiques and/or point out alternatives.
One
I use a free audio editing program called Audacity. I prefer it over normal media players for the following reasons:
- I can easily mark a place in the audio file and go back to it if need be. I hate always adjusting the starting point only to discover that I have gone backwards too far or not far enough.
- Since I can see the wave form, it is easier to predict where to move to when looking for a specific part.
- I can alter the tempo to a snail's pace, which is helpful if a particular word has been spoken too fast or is one I am unfamiliar with. Note: when using this capability I only use the preview function as I don't want to alter the actual file.
Two
I use the online word processing program at zoho.com. Here are the benefits of it:
- Unlike offline programs, after the transcription is done, I can easily convert the file into an Internet link that everyone can view, and unlike some other online services, it hasn't been blocked yet (knock on wood).
- I can continue to use my Perapera-kun Firefox pop up translator. I find this essential when Jenny says a word I'm unfamiliar with and I want to make sure the word I chose makes sense.
Three
Positioning is important. I resize both Audacity and Firefox and then place them one on top of the other as shown below.
It's a bit tight on my dinky computer, but I find it is worth it as toggling between the two programs is infinitely easier.
Well, I reckon that's about it.
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