Oral history transcription can be challenging, and it is important to keep a number of factors in mind in order to ensure the accuracy and reliability of your transcripts. Here are my top six key factors

The Complexity of Your Audio File

The complexity of audio can affect the transcription process in several ways. Difficulties can arise from various factors such as:

• Background noise, including strong wind, other people talking or screaming, sirens, or traffic sounds, can make it harder for transcriptionists to discern the voices of the main speakers. For a more detailed explanation of how to deal with this challenge, you can refer to my previous blog post, where I share some useful tips on how to record your oral history interviews in a noisy environment. I hope you find it helpful and informative.
• Multiple languages, slang or strong accents, in such cases, different persons may be needed to transcribe the recording.
• Speed of conversation. Faster speech requires transcriptionists to rewind the recording multiple times to pick up all the audio.

In summary, the complexity of audio can make transcription more challenging and time-consuming for transcriptionists. It is important to consider these factors when dealing with difficult audio files.

Required Accuracy

The required accuracy is an important factor that affects transcription. The level of accuracy expected from the transcriptionist can vary depending on the purpose of the transcription.

For example, if the transcription is for oral history purposes or legal or medical purposes, a high level of accuracy is usually required to ensure that all the details are captured correctly. On the other hand, if the transcription is for general reference or informational purposes, a lower level of accuracy may be acceptable.

The required accuracy also affects the time and effort needed for transcription. Higher accuracy requirements may necessitate additional proofreading and editing to ensure that the final transcript is error-free. This can increase the overall time and cost of the transcription process.

In summary, the required accuracy is an important consideration in oral history transcription because it helps ensure that the transcriptions are reliable and trustworthy, making them more accessible and useful for future reference. Transcripts are also used to ensure that the final transcriptions accurately reflect the original content.

Available Turn Around Time

The available turnaround time is an important factor that affects transcription of oral history interviews. The time required to transcribe an interview can vary depending on the length and complexity of the recording, as well as the level of accuracy required.

For example, a verbatim transcript of a one-hour interview can take up to six or seven hours to transcribe. This can be a time-consuming process, especially if there are multiple interviews to transcribe. The available turnaround time can also affect the cost of transcription services. If a quick turnaround is required, it may be necessary to pay extra for rush service.

In summary, the available turnaround time is an important consideration in transcription of oral history interviews. It determines the amount of time and resources needed for transcription and can impact both the quality and cost of the transcription service.

Budget

The budget is an important factor to consider when transcribing oral history interviews. The cost of transcription services can vary depending on several factors, including the length and complexity of the recording, the level of accuracy required, and the available turnaround time.

Longer and more complex recordings generally require more time and effort to transcribe, which can increase the cost of the service. Additionally, higher accuracy requirements may necessitate additional proofreading and editing, which can also impact the overall cost.

The available turnaround time can also affect the cost of transcription services. If a quick turnaround is required, it may be necessary to pay extra for rush service.

To manage the budget effectively, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the project and balance them with the available resources. This may involve prioritizing certain aspects, such as accuracy or turnaround time, based on the goals and constraints of the project.

Please take a moment to peruse my blog on funding for oral history research. It can serve as a viable means to secure financial support for your transcription needs as well.

Levels of Confidentiality Needed

Confidentiality is an important ethical principle that oral historians should respect when conducting and transcribing interviews. Confidentiality means that the interviewer and the transcriber should protect the identity and privacy of the interviewee, unless they have given their consent to disclose their personal information.

It also means that the interviewer and the transcriber should not share or publish any sensitive or confidential data that the interviewee has revealed during the interview, such as names, dates, places, or events that could harm them or others. Confidentiality can help to build trust and rapport between the interviewer and the interviewee, and to ensure that the interviewee feels comfortable and safe to share their stories and experiences.

Confidentiality can also prevent legal or ethical issues that could arise from breaching the interviewee’s rights or expectations. Therefore, confidentiality is a crucial factor to consider when transcribing oral history interviews. To ensure confidentiality oral historians can do the following is done:

• Ask the participants for their consent before recording and transcribing the interviews. Explain the purpose and scope of the project, how the transcripts will be used and stored, and what measures will be taken to protect their identity and privacy.
• Use pseudonyms or codes to identify the participants in the transcripts. Avoid using any information that could reveal their identity, such as names, locations, dates, or affiliations.
• Encrypt or password-protect the digital files of the recordings and transcripts. Store them in a secure location, such as a locked cabinet or a cloud service with restricted access.
• Delete or destroy the recordings and transcripts after they are no longer needed for the project, unless the participants agree to donate them to a repository or archive.
• Follow the ethical guidelines and standards of your discipline, institution, or organization when conducting and transcribing oral history interviews.

If you’re interested in creating a consent form, please refer to my blog on how to put one together.

Inclusion of Editing and Revision Tools.

By using editing tools, transcribers can easily make corrections, insert missing words or phrases, and remove any irrelevant or redundant information. Revision tools, on the other hand, allow for a more comprehensive review of the transcriptions, enabling transcribers to identify and rectify any errors or inconsistencies in the text.

The use of these tools can significantly improve the quality and reliability of the transcriptions, making them more accessible and useful for future reference. They can also save time and effort by streamlining the transcription process.

It’s worth noting that while editing and revision tools are valuable aids in transcription, they should not replace the critical thinking and analytical skills of the transcriber. Transcribers should always exercise judgment and discretion when using these tools to ensure that the final transcriptions accurately reflect the original content.

Some useful editing and revision tools are:

Oral history transcribers have a challenging task of converting spoken words into written text. They need to be accurate, consistent and respectful of the original source. Fortunately, there are some popular editing and revision tools that can help them with their work. Here are some of them:

• Transcribe: This is a web-based tool that allows you to upload audio files and transcribe them automatically. You can also edit the transcript, add timestamps, speaker labels and notes. Transcribe supports over 120 languages and dialects, and has a free trial period.
• Express Scribe: This is a software that lets you control the playback of audio files using keyboard shortcuts or a foot pedal. You can adjust the speed, volume and pitch of the audio, and sync it with your word processor. Express Scribe supports various audio formats and has a free version.
• Grammarly: This is a tool that checks your grammar, spelling and punctuation errors, and suggests improvements. You can use it as a browser extension, a web app or a desktop app. Grammarly also offers feedback on your tone, clarity, engagement and delivery.
• Hemingway: This is a tool that helps you make your writing clear and concise. It highlights sentences that are too long, complex or passive, and suggests simpler alternatives. It also shows you the readability score and grade level of your text.
• ProWritingAid: This is a tool that offers comprehensive feedback on your writing style, structure and content. It analyzes your text for over 20 aspects, such as readability, consistency, transitions, dialogue, plagiarism and more. You can use it as a browser extension, a web app, a desktop app or an integration with other platforms.

Bottom Line

By considering these factors, transcribers can produce transcriptions that accurately reflect the original oral history interviews, making them more accessible and useful for future reference.

That’s it for this blog, if you are interested in starting a career as an oral historian, have a look at our blog post on tips on how to build a career as an oral historian to get you started.

Kindly keep us in mind for all your oral history transcription needs and remember, always be kind, stay positive and learn to unwind.