All Questions Asked on Transcription Discussion Board

I struggle when speakers keep interrupting or talking over each other. How should I handle that? Any tips?

Posted by Gia in Transcription

• Nov 05, 2025
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Great question! When speakers overlap and it’s hard to understand, here’s how you can handle it: Insert timestamps for clarity: We always suggest adding tags like [inaudible – 02:15] or [crosstalk – 02:15] to mark overlapping or unclear sections. This helps reviewers quickly locate the issue in the audio. Never guess what’s being said: Accuracy always comes first. If something isn’t clear, it’s better to mark it as unclear than to risk an incorrect transcription. Partially audible sections: If you can catch a few words, you should transcribe what’s clear and mark the rest as [unclear] or [indistinct]. Follow client style guides: Some clients have specific preferences for how to label inaudible or overlapping parts, so you should always double-check their guidelines before finalizing the transcript. This approach keeps transcripts professional, consistent, and transparent—even when the audio gets messy.

I’m still getting used to the rhythm of transcribing. On average, how long does it take you to transcribe a 15-minute file? Just trying to see how I compare.

Posted by TranscriptionBrat in Transcription

• Aug 05, 2025
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Hey! When I started, a 15-minute audio took me around an hour or more to finish. It really depends on how clear the audio is. I’m getting faster now, but it takes time to build that rhythm! Hey! I usually take about 70–80 minutes for a 15-minute file since I’m still practicing. Some parts can be tricky, so I have to rewind a lot. I’m sure you’ll get quicker with time!

What’s the best way to handle unclear audio where multiple speakers talk over each other? Do you flag it, guess, or leave a timestamp?

Posted by Gia in Transcription

• Jul 29, 2025
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Great question! When speakers overlap and it’s hard to understand, I usually insert a timestamp like [inaudible – 02:15] or [crosstalk – 02:15]. Never guess - accuracy is more important. If I can partially hear something, I’ll include what I can and mark the rest as unclear. Some clients also prefer you to use tags like [unclear] or [indistinct], so always check their style guide if available.

Hi everyone, I'm currently using Express Scribe for my transcription work, but I’ve noticed some delay when rewinding audio. Is there a setting I can tweak to fix this, or is there a better alternative software I should consider?

Posted by Amy in Transcription

• Jul 22, 2025
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Hi! I’ve run into that issue too with Express Scribe. A few quick tips: • Try lowering the rewind speed under Options > Playback — that usually helps. • Stick to MP3 or WAV files; other formats can cause lag. • Make sure you’re using the latest version or try reinstalling. • If you're using a foot pedal, check that the drivers are up to date. If it keeps happening, you might want to try oTranscribe (free) or FTW Transcriber—both are smoother for some users. Hope that helps!

In Clean Verbatim, the transcribed text does not include:

Posted by ahmed0114 in Transcription

• May 04, 2023
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In clean verbatim transcription, the transcribed text does not include any filler words, such as "um," "uh," or "like," false starts or repetitions, stutters, and other nonverbal sounds such as laughter or sighs. Instead, it only includes the essential and meaningful parts of the conversation, such as complete sentences, relevant information, and key points. Additionally, clean verbatim may correct any grammatical errors or mispronunciations made by the speaker for clarity and comprehension.

1. Which tags should be bolded?

Posted by ahmed0114 in Transcription

• May 04, 2023
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In a transcript, there is no standard set of rules for which tags should be bolded. However, some common practices include: 14. Bold the speaker names or initials to make them stand out from the rest of the transcript. 2. Bold important keywords or phrases that are essential to understanding the context or meaning of the conversation. 3. Bold headings or subheadings to indicate a new section or topic of discussion. Ultimately, the decision to bold any part of the transcript is up to the transcriber or editor and should be based on what will make the transcript most clear and understandable for the intended audience.

Olypmus Foot Pedal Issue

Posted by brittahellandinc in Transcription

Does anyone use an Olypmus foot pedal in conjuction with DSS Transcription Module?  I recently updated to Windows 11 and my foot pedal no longer does what it used to do.  The play button used to go back roughly 3 seconds with a double ta...

• Apr 12, 2023
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Hi, Here are a few steps that you can take to troubleshoot this issue: * Check if the foot pedal is recognized by the computer: Go to Device Manager and see if the foot pedal is listed under "Human Interface Devices." If it's not listed, try unplugging and plugging it back in or restarting the computer. * Check the foot pedal settings in the DSS Transcription Module: Open the DSS Transcription Module and go to "Options" -> "Foot Control Settings." Ensure the correct foot pedal model is selected, and check the settings for each pedal button. You can customize the function for each button, including the double-tap function. * Update the foot pedal driver: Check the Olympus website for any available updates for the foot pedal driver. Download and install the latest version and see if it resolves the issue. * Reinstall the DSS Transcription Module: If the issue persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the DSS Transcription Module. Make sure to back up any important transcription files before uninstalling. *Check for Windows updates: Make sure your computer is updated with the latest Windows updates. Sometimes, updating to the latest version can resolve compatibility issues with software and hardware. I hope one of these steps helps resolve the issue with your foot pedal and DSS Transcription Module. If not, you may contact Olympus technical support for further assistance.

When we take the final test, are we able to use Express Scribe and then copy and paste it into the template? I would like to be able to use my foot pedal for the test, and would like to know how to do this.

Posted by kjogeorge in Transcription

• Apr 11, 2023
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Yes, you can use whatever method you like. However, it would be best if you made sure the formatting matches what we requested ideally.

I would like to know how long it take a freelance transcriptionist to transcribe 20 hours of audio-video recordings.

Posted by EB3 in Transcription

• Mar 30, 2023
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Transcribing 20 hours of audio-video recordings can take anywhere from 80 to 120 hours of work, but the actual time required depends on several factors such as audio quality, number of speakers, the complexity of the subject matter, typing speed, and experience.