Verbatim Transcripts vs. Summarized Transcripts

What do you say when your audio transcription provider asks you whether you want your finished transcripts to be verbatim transcripts or summarized transcripts?

It's important to know the difference--many transcriptionists will determine the cost of their provided services depending on whether you want your work verbatim or summarized.

It's a good idea to read up with the following articles, "What is a Summarized Transcript for Audio Transcription?" and "What is a Verbatim Transcript for Audio Transcription?" by Sara Haley. These articles will explain the difference between the two, and which one may be more important for your needs.

Whichever you choose, if you need audio transcription services, feel free to contact Sara--she's an individual that specializes in audio transcription and can provide fast turnaround times and excellent accuracy when transcribing your personal or business digital audio files. She has years of experience transcribing and will handle your task personally.

What is a Summarized Transcript for Audio Transcriptions?

Whenever you are having digital audio transcribed by a transcription provider, you will generally be asked whether you want the returned transcript document to be a verbatim transcript or a summarized transcript. These are two totally different kinds of transcripts, so be prepared to know what you're talking about and exactly what you are requesting, as this will generally determine the cost of your transcription service as well.

A summarized transcript is a transcript that eliminates audio that is not necessary to the final transcript. For example, it will eliminate stutters, "uhs" and "ums," and incomplete, cut-off sentences by one or more of the speakers in the audio.

The other option is to have a verbatim transcript, which includes every single word spoken and sound made throughout the audio file. You can learn more about verbatim transcripts on this blog post.

Whether you need a verbatim or summarized transcript, you can contact Sara--she'll provide you personalized, one-on-one service and professionalism, along with accurate transcription services of podcasts, conference meetings, and other digital audio files that you may need transcribed for yourself or your business. Sara is a native English speaker and handles all files herself, unlike larger transcription services that pass the file on to numerous people, eliminating the confidentiality of a personal or company file. Contact Sara for prices and turnaround times.

What is a Verbatim Transcript for Audio Transcriptions?

When it comes to having digital audio transcribed into a written transcript, you may be faced with a question from your transcription service provider: Do you want verbatim transcriptions?

Whether it's a podcast, focus group for market research, or a class lecture, you'll want to consider your options for the type of transcript you would like from your transcriptionist. A verbatim transcription is a transcript that is extremely thorough. Verbatim transcriptions include stutters, incomplete sentences, and words like, "uh," "um," etcetra.

There is generally not a need for a verbatim transcript, but sometimes, it is necessary, especially if dealing with something in the legal system or court recordings. For most instances though, verbatim transcription is generally not necessary for most transcription situations.

Most transcripts are summarized--they are generally a transcript of the audio without stutters, incomplete sentences, and other unnecessary words that do not add to the value of the transcript itself.

Whether you need a verbatim transcription done, or even a summarized transcription, you may consider using the transcription service provided by Sara--she is an independant transcriptionist--your work will be handled by one person and one person only--not sent through various people or oversea individuals working in a language that is not native to them. Contact Sara if you're looking for podcast transcription services, or any other audio transcription.