Time it takes to transcribe an hour

I find it depends what I'm transcribing. If it's a focus group it takes me longer, if it's just one person speaking or a one-on-one interview of good sound quality then it's much faster.

I did a 120 minute file yesterday, group meeting with not fantastic sound quality throughout -took me between 4-5 hours (difficult to know for sure as I took some breaks during the day) yet another job I'm working on a 60 minute file takes me around two hours...

Hi Bridiej,

Thanks for all the info. I'm planning to learn this new skill and making my niche. Before I spend money on paid training, is there any free courses that I can learn from? Any sites? would love to hear from other VAs too.

Thank in advance for all your input

Bridiej, I don't know of any courses, but if you want to contact me I would happy to answer any of your questions that I am able to answer and giver you some helpful suggestions. -Rhonda

Hi Rhonda,

Thanks for your helping hand. It wasn't Bridiej who asked about Transcription course/training. I'm Jessie

Anyways, much thanks to you. I will surely ask you for any help.

Thanks!

You don't need courses, what you need is practice.
When I first started I registered with a transcription company and freelanced with them for a while - it's definitely the way to go, make sure you like it as it's harder work than it looks!

Good luck

As bridiej said, yes, you definitely need to practice transcription. I've transcribed for a lot of years and several years ago I worked with a company doing medical transcription. When I told him I didn't have any medical background (only legal), he told me that was okay, he has a harder time finding transcriptionists because some people just cannot hear it and type it.

Jama

You don't need courses, what you need is practice.
When I first started I registered with a transcription company and freelanced with them for a while - it's definitely the way to go, make sure you like it as it's harder work than it looks!

Good luck

Bridiej,

That's an invaluable advice and I really appreciate it. I need to motivate myself why learning this skill as it's not just an easy skill.

Thanks!

Hi Ladies,
I agree with the Perfect World - one of the first posts in this discussion.

With transcription these days and especially with the advent of digital audio there is no excuse for gibberish and whilst I am personally used to tight deadlines, if the audio I receive is gibberish and not able to be improved due to my awesome computer and wonderful audio tools, I do not waste time on it.

I think as professional transcriptionists we need to value our abilities and attract clients who appreciate our value-added services.

I have many experiences in many industries like many of you ladies do and prefer to streamline the work I accept these days. I admit to being a perfectionist and realise that these days that is not possible if the audio supplied is gibberish.

Hope you are having a great year and continue to grow and enjoy your work.
Michele

To improve my transcription skills I went online and located some free Pod Casts and downloaded them to transcribe. I have only ever transcribed dictation, never multiple speakers, and the Pod Casts can give you a variety of things to transcribe.

what a great idea!

I'm going to use it!

Thanks for the info, Pam, that is very useful for me as a fairly new VA