Transcription Software

[Beth0813]

Hello!

Is Express Scribe easy to use? If I secure a client that wants transcription work done would I be able to figure out how to use the software?

Thanks,
Beth

[Business-Bytes]

Hi Beth,

Oh yes, it is pretty easy to use and figure out.

If you have a foot pedal, you go to Settings > Pedal and Hot Keys and choose your foot pedal from a dropdown list (it might only have yours listed ), then choose how many pedals yours has. Then use the Foot Pedal Wizard button to setup what pedal does what (fast forward, rewind, play).

I kind of left all the other things under settings at the default - except for how far it rewinds on stopping.

If I can ever afford it, I'm going to get Stop/Start software. That would be the ultimate!

Have fun!

[kathiemt]

Don't wait till you have a client job Beth to work it out. Do it now. It's free to download so why not download some podcasts from online as well and use those to practice your skills. There are so many interesting broadcasts out there that you could use it as an educational exercise (by listening to the podcasts) while practicing your transcription skills with the Express Scribe software. That way, when you do get a job you'll be confident and able to complete the client's job in good time, rather than learning time.

[Stewartwin]

That's a good idea, Kathie. You never want to learn a new skill on a project because it shows in the outcome.

I haven't had a transcription project in quite a while so even I may take your suggestions to brush up.

[mhoyte]

I downloaded Expresscribe about two months ago and purchased a foot pedal. It was very easy to use and I found it to be user friendly as well.

[Beth0813]

Thanks for the advice. I will download Express Scribe but will hold off on purchasing a foot pedal. If I'm not mistaken you can use hot keys instead of a foot pedal.

[Business-Bytes]

Thanks for the advice. I will download Express Scribe but will hold off on purchasing a foot pedal. If I'm not mistaken you can use hot keys instead of a foot pedal.

I really recommend getting a foot pedal because this will increase your production time by keeping your hands free for typing. Time is money, so by keeping your hands on the keyboard typing, you are being more productive.

Just my 2 cents...

[AwesomeAssistant]

I've used Express Scribe and if you're going to do lots of transcribing, a foot pedal is very handy. I usually only doing a small amount here and there and use the play with pausing feature. That speed is usually sufficient for me. Since I've used shorthand most of my adult life, I've also developed a 'shorthand' when transcribing. Then I go back after I'm done transcribing to do minor edits.

Do download the free software now and get familiar with it before starting a client project. Let us know how it goes.

[VirtuallyYoursFromConnecticut]

Great advice Kathie - thanks for the tip! Makes sense to practice when the pressure is NOT on!

[Business-Bytes]

Oh! And a good headset should be on the list, too. Just listening with computer speakers most likely isn't going to pick up all the little words that can be missed.

[Margret]

I have found the foot pedal and a good head set are definite assets.

[Kathya]

Any recommendations on a reasonably priced foot pedal? Where do you buy them?

[virtual_viviante]

what are hot kets? And are they more effective than a foot pedal?

[jeanvis]

Virtual_Viviante,

I took a project once with no foot pedal. This was a horrible experience! I highly recommend a foot pedal. It leaves your hands free for typing and not toggling back and forth between screens. All that toggling can nearly double your time. Especially if the speaker is inaudible.

[The Invisible Assistant]

Virtual Viviante,
The 'hot keys' are keys on your keyboard that you assign to perform the functions of rewind, fast forward, etc. I recently downloaded Express Scribe and am still figuring out all the functions. Like jeanvis said, the foot pedal makes transcribing much easier than having to use 'hot keys' because you move your hands back and forth much less (making you much quicker).