4 min read · Sep 6, 2023
Passing as a Freelance Audio Transcriptionist with TranscribeMe can be a soul-sucking ordeal, especially for those who are new to the process.
Complicating matters further is the fact that you must wait for two months before retaking the assessment if you fail.
However, this needn’t be yourcase. In this noob’s guide, I present nine hacks designed to streamline your experience and ensure success in the TranscribeMe test, right on your first attempt.
Tip #1: Don’t Label Speakers
It's important to understand that TranscribeMe doesn't require speaker labels.
They're well aware that tagging speaker changes is a common practice in the audio transcription industry, and many might fall for this trick if it's included in their onboarding tests.
Therefore, exercise caution during the exam, both in the English grammar and audio transcription sections, when it comes to speaker tags, leavethem.
Their guidelines clearly outline the approach to take when dealing with audios featuring multiple speakers. You simply need to press the "Enter" key on your keyboard to start a new line, indicating a new speaker or a change in speakers.
This means there’s no need to insert em dashes, or attempt to indicate a change in speaker, as is often the case with platforms others such as like GoTranscript.
Tip #2: Lowercase Letters at the Start of a Line
Unless you’re dealing with proper nouns, or adhering to the grammatical rules governing titles, it’s imperative to begin each task and line with lowercase letters.
This approach stems from TranscribeMe’s strategy of breaking down lengthy audio segments into smaller portions.
These portions are assigned to different transcribers without their context, with another team joining them later to assemble the complete transcript.
In this context, assuming that an audio you’re working on is the beginning of a new sentence is simply not feasible.
However, it’s important to note that proper nouns such as those representing specific individuals or cities should still be capitalized, even when they appear at the start of a line.
Tip #3: No Punctuation at the End of a Line
A key guideline to remember is that lines should not conclude with punctuation marks, except in cases where the line ends with the closing tag of a specific element, such as laughter.
Even if you're confident that a line doesn't mark the end of a sentence, it's important to resist the temptation to use punctuation marks at the end of lines during the test.
The rationale behind this guideline is similar to the previous one: it's not safe to assume that the last word in an audio clip signifies the end of a sentence.
Tip #4: Don’t Transcribe Crutch Words
Aim to exclude words that do not contribute meaning to the speaker's message.
Frequently, these are words that a speaker leans on and repetitively uses without adding substantial value to their speech.
This often happens when speakers are searching for the right words, or expressions to use.
Common examples include words like "like" and "you know."
Ensuring the exclusion of such words results in a more concise and meaningful transcript.
Tip #5: Master Your Tags
It's crucial to be well-versed in transcription tags, especially when dealing with multiple-choice questions.
A solid understanding of how to use tags for various elements such as silence, laughter, and background noise can enormously influence your success rate.
For instance, when words are unintelligible due to challenging accents, poor audio quality, or noises like sneezing, the [Inaudible] tag is used for accuracy.
Tip #6: Ensure Proper Spelling
Accurate spelling is essential. Pay close attention, particularly when transcribing informal speech.
Avoid being misled by the pronunciation of words, instead, choose formal spellings to ensure precision. An example highlights thisaspect.
Original Audio: You gotta come tonight cuz I’ve a gift for yaah.
Incorrect: You gotta come tonight cuz I’ve a gift for yaah.
Correct: You have to come tonight because I’ve a gift for you.
Tip #7: Adhere to Spelling Guidelines
Consistency in following TranscribeMe’s spelling guide is of the utmost importance. Here are a few examples that necessitate strict adherence:
- Use "okay," not "ok" or "kay."
- Opt for "All right," not "alright."
- Choose "A lot," not "alot."
- Prefer "etc," not "et cetera."
- Use "US" or "USA," not "U.S." or "USA."
- Select "email," not "e-mail."
Tip #8: Exclude Feedback Words
Refrain from including feedback words. These words are those that speakers use to indicate their passive admission, or understanding of another speaker’s words.
However, there is an exception to this rule.
You can include feedback words only when they immediately lead to further speech by the same speaker, or when they elicit a response such as "right," "okay," "got it," "yeah," or "great."
Tip #9: Master Background (Side Conversations)
When you encounter side conversations or background noise during a TranscribeMe audio, take note of the following:
- If the main speakers are not interacting with the background voices, there is no need to tag the background noise.
- However, if the main speakers acknowledge or interact with the voices in the background, it’s important to include the background noise. This contextualizes the side conversation within the transcript.
In light of these guidelines, your golden rule should be to transcribe the main speakers and their interactions with any speakers in the audio file.
Bonus Tip: Type Numbers Correctly.
Differentiate between spelling out numbers from zero to nine, and using numerals for numbers starting from 10 and above.
Exceptions exist — such as the need to spell out all fractions.
That’s it!
These meticulously curated tips are poised to empower you as you venture into the realm of Freelance Audio Transcription at TranscribeMe.
Embrace practice, adhere to guidelines, and equip yourself for success.
I invite you to share your experiences and insights gained during your TranscribeMe test journey. With these insights in your arsenal, your journey is set for success!
Cheers!
