I've done transcription for over 20 years and one of my BIG questions is the part on accents. I do fairly well with most of them but Middle Eastern, Asian and Hispanic, especially from native speakers, just kill me!!

I also have my own guidelines, like don't eat whilst you are dictating. Yes, I CAN hear those rustling papers that drown you out. Can you please speak into the dictation apparatus and not into your shoes?!? I used to transcribe for one doctor from a hospital who would dictate with screaming newborns on his lap - and never miss a beat - but I had NO idea what he was saying. These requests generally come more tactfully put - unless I've had a rough day of listening to all of the above. LOL