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Recently Pacific Transcription moved their entire information technology ecosystem to the cloud. The decision to move to cloud-based data storage was made after considerable deliberation, observation of the developing data security in the cloud environment, the encroaching obsolescence of physical hardware, including servers, and careful assessment of risk – both to clients, contractors, suppliers, and Pacific Transcription itself.

I’m happy to report that the move to the cloud was successful. But what does this significant change mean for clients?

Clients can rest assured that Pacific Transcription’s cloud-based data storage is safe and secure. Pacific Transcription now utilises Australian-based instances of the Microsoft Azure cloud network. Many features of this cloud-based network enhance the security of data, and therefore the security and confidentiality of client information.

Enticing Features of Pacific’s Data Security in the Cloud Include:

• A primary protection layer, which includes deployment of a high-specification Fortigate Firewall appliance, fully optimised with IPS/IDS,
• A secondary layer of protection with the existence of a demilitarised zone (DMZ) which separates all file servers from public access points via deployment of a reverse proxy server,
• Utilisation of Microsoft Entra ID cloud-based identity and access management solution, as well as protection by Microsoft Defender for Business, and
• Configuration of the environment to include encryption of all files at rest, with a high-level AES256 encryption algorithm.

Cloud-based Data Storage Additional Features:

Additional to these features are cloud-to-cloud, real-time backups which mean that Pacific Transcription has disaster protection and recovery plans for its operating environment that has World-class metrics for Recovery Point Objective (RPO – or time interval during which data is potentially exposed to loss), and Recovery Time Objective (RTO – or how quickly full operational systems can be restored).

Client Access Remains Auditable, Password-Protected, & Encrypted

Access to the client portal remains auditable via IP number, and all client accounts are password-protected – clients set their passwords, which are stored in a secure encrypted format.

Independent Penetration Testing Is Conducted Regularly

Pacific Transcription regularly commissions independent penetration testing of its systems with credentialled client account access. The last independent penetration test, conducted in October 2023, identified a few non-minor issues, all of which have since been completely remediated. The remaining minor issues are being progressively dealt with, as part of an ongoing code upgrade process.

ISO 27001 Information Security Management Systems Certified

Pacific Transcription continues to hold ISO 27001 Information Security Management Systems certification, a leading international standard focused on information security. This standard was developed to help organisations of any size in any industry, to keep their information and the information of clients, safe and secure.

The Information Security Management System (ISMS) standard is a framework of policies and procedures that includes all legal, physical, and technical controls involved in an organisation’s information risk management processes.

Contact Us

Further information on Pacific Transcription’s data security in the cloud, cloud-based data storage, and the security measures Pacific Transcription takes can be found on our website and in the Terms and Conditions and Privacy policies on our website’s brochures page. Or contact our Enquiries Team for more information – phone 1300 662 173 or email enquiries@pacifictranscription.com.au.

The post Data Security in The Cloud – What This Means for Pacific Transcription Clients appeared first on Pacific Transcription.

What are the benefits of transcribing interviews? And what is interview transcription anyway? Interview transcription is the process of typing up, in Word or a similar format, the words spoken by participants during recorded interviews.

Interview transcription helps the researcher better understand and analyse the content of the interviews, provides empirical and non-empirical evidence to the researcher, and in turn, helps inform and add weight to the research results and conclusions.

Typically, interview transcription is used by academics, researchers, Ph.D. students, research programs and institutions, and investigative bodies. Interview transcription topics are as varied as the types of research conducted.

The benefits of transcribing interviews are many and include:

• providing a written and accurate document of what was said, and by whom, which may last into perpetuity;
• providing documented evidence that adds credibility and integrity to the research and the researcher;
• freeing up the time of the facilitator to fully engage with the interview process and the interviewees, rather than being distracted by having to take notes, or remember everything that was said;
• providing the researcher (and safeguarding against any future legal challenges!) with an assurance that the direct quotes documented in the research are accurate and attributable;
• saving the researcher time, so they can concentrate on their research, rather than having to produce transcripts of the interviews;
• providing the researcher with a more streamlined, leaner transcript, without the distractions of side conversations or irrelevant, superfluous, or off-topic communication;
• facilitating opportunities for further collaboration between colleagues and other researchers; and
• providing opportunities for in-depth reflection by the researcher, which may elicit further insights into the research topic, and their own practice.

What are some real-world scenarios which show the benefits of transcribing interviews?

Scenario One: Ph.D. Student conducts interviews as a part of their theory-driven research, which results in the writing and publication of a book.

Did you know that there are many popular authors whose books had their genesis in the Ph.D. research of the author? Authors such as Stephen Hawking, Hannah Arendt, Jared Diamond, Richard Rhodes, Carl Sagan, Richard Dawkins, and Thomas Kuhn, to name a few, turned their Ph.D. theses into books.

The benefits of transcribing interviews for Ph.D. students means that the student has written transcripts of their interviews which document important data provided by experts, interviewees with lived experiences of their research topic, and others who contribute valuable information to the research process and results.

Often the Ph.D. student, after publishing their thesis, will go on to write a book on their research topic. Having a copy of the interview transcripts at hand forms an integral part of the writing process, and can further facilitate the successful publication of the book.

Scenario Two: Employer conducting applicant interviews.

Did you know that many employers now record their applicant interviews and get the recordings transcribed, so they can more fully interrogate and assess each interview, afterward?

It is not easy recalling every little detail that was spoken or reading your hurriedly written notes taken during the interview. In this scenario, the benefits of transcribing interviews include helping employers further review the applicants after the interview is finished, thus refreshing their memory of what transpired. Having an interview transcript assists the employer to make the right employment choices for their company.

Scenario Three: Researchers interview people with lived experiences that inform the research topic.

Many researchers who conduct a qualitative analysis of their research spend literally hundreds of hours interviewing people directly associated with their research topic. These interviews are transcribed, so the researcher has later access to the details of each interview.

Further, the interview transcripts can be analysed using qualitative analysis software, improving the researcher’s understanding of the data, and assisting them in drawing logical and empirically-based conclusions.

While interview transcription can be done by researchers themselves; it is much more efficient, practical, and easier to engage a professional transcription company to provide this service.

What’s more, the researcher no longer has to worry about style and format – leave that to the professionals! The professional transcription company will make sure the transcript is formatted correctly, so it is compatible with the qualitative analysis software being used by the researcher.

Discover the benefits of transcribing interviews with Pacific Transcription. We are here to help. Get in touch by phoning us at 1300 662 173 or online, to get started with transcription services. Why not reach out to Pacific Transcription for your next batch of interview transcription?

The post Benefits of Transcribing Interviews appeared first on Pacific Transcription.

Data Security Concerns have been front of mind for Pacific Transcription for many years. Protecting client information and having strong and robust processes for data security are one of the reasons Pacific pursued and attained ISO 27001 Information Security Management System certification.

ISO 27001 Information Security Management System certification is an internationally recognised and highly sought-after standard that demonstrates a company’s ability to keep their information, and the information of clients, safe and secure.

By achieving ISO 27001 certification, Pacific demonstrably proved that the systems, processes, policies, and procedures in place provided appropriate and suitable legal, physical, and technical controls across all parts of the organisation.

Quick Checks You Can Make to Ensure Your Data Security With Pacific

1. Check out the browser address bar for Pacific’s client login.

The login process occurs within a secure HTTPS-protected login environment that uses a bank-grade 256-bit encryption algorithm (SHA256RSA).

2. Check Pacific’s Proprietary Workflow Management System.

Pacific uses a proprietary workflow management system, called Pacific Central.  Audio files uploaded this way immediately enter our proprietary workflow management system (Pacific Central) which tracks and manages each and every interaction with a file.

We know and control who has access to files, and for what purpose, and tightly monitor and control these interactions on a strict “need to know” basis, down to granular details such as user ID, interaction type, IP address used, etc.

Pacific Central is also used to track the secure progress of up to 1000 active files at any point in time, through to orderly completion through setting deadlines and managing performance against those deadlines.

3. Check out Pacific’s Key Policies.

Pacific’s key policies, such as Terms & Conditions and Privacy policies, are available in the brochures section on the website and include the measures Pacific takes in ensuring client data security.

4. Check Pacific’s current, internationally-recognised certifications.

Details of Pacific’s current certifications are available in the About Us section on the website.  Pacific Transcription’s current certifications include:

• ISO 27001 Information Security Management Systems certification, and
• ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems certification.

For more information on the data security concerns and the security measures Pacific takes to protect client and company data throughout our transcription services, please contact us today.

The post Data Security Concerns in an Age of Data Breaches & Data Theft appeared first on Pacific Transcription.

Pacific has implemented a strong information security management system which oversees, documents, monitors, and reviews all legal, physical and technical controls involved in Pacific’s information risk management processes.

But what does this mean for our clients?

Put simply, it means that Pacific has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate, that we keep our client’s information, and our information, safe and secure. Data security is front of mind for everyone today. Pacific’s ISO 27001 certification is just another way we demonstrate our commitment to safe and secure systems.

How did Pacific achieve ISO 27001 certification?

Pacific started planning for this certification back in 2016, just after achieving ISO 9001 certification (Quality Management Systems).  Pacific started with a “gap analysis” to identify the gap between where we were, and where we needed to be, and then we developed a set of plans that involved new hardware, new software, new systems and processes and lots of training. Our intention was to go for certification in 2020, but then COVID….

Come June 2022, all that hard work has paid off. Pacific received notification we’d achieved ISO 27001 certification – a huge achievement for a smaller organisation.

The ISO 27001 standard was developed to help organisations of any size in any industry, to keep their information and the information of clients, safe and secure. Well, we’ve done that.

By achieving and sustaining ISO 27001 certification Pacific Transcription continues to demonstrate our emphatic and unerring commitment to keeping our client’s information, and our information, safe and secure. We’re proud of this achievement.

You can rest assured that your information, and our information, is kept safe and secure.

For further information on Pacific Transcription, our transcription services, and ISO 27001 certification, click here, or contact us.

The post Pacific Transcription Is ISO 27001 Certified – How Does This Affect You? appeared first on Pacific Transcription.

If you have a background in medical, legal, university or government administration with a heavy emphasis on word processing, you’re well on the way toward starting a successful career in transcription.

What are the benefits of a career in transcription?

There are many benefits to transcription jobs and working for yourself.

1. Location is no barrier. As long as you have reliable, speedy and secure access to the internet you can work from any location across the world. And what’s more, there’s no need to commute, saving you precious time and travel money.
2. You are in control over the hours you work. You know when you are most productive, and what your family and the household schedule look like. Working from home and for yourself means you can work within the timeframe which suits you, and your household, best.
3. Daily access to lifelong learning! Each file you type is different. You are exposed to a wide variety of content and subjects and are required to conduct research to better understand the content you are transcribing.
4. The more productive and efficient you are, the greater your earnings. Be rewarded for your effort. Be kind to yourself.

What skills do you need to become a typing contractor?

While many top-end transcription jobs do not require their typing contractors to have completed certified transcription courses, most do require their typing contractors to have prior experience in transcription. For top-end transcription companies, prior experience is highly valued.

Experience. For transcription jobs in top-end companies, we recommend typing contractors have at least three years’ research, financial or legal transcription experience, and five years’ medical transcription experience.

Transferable skills. Your previous work experiences may have honed your problem-solving skills, analytical reasoning, critical thinking, adaptability, teamwork and communication skills, all transferable skills you should possess for a fruitful career in transcription.

Research. You must have the ability to contextualise the content and quickly seek out and locate relevant facts, including the correct spelling of names, companies, locations, medications and medical and other sector-specific terminology.

Language and comprehension. It’s a no-brainer – a highly developed understanding of English grammar, punctuation, spelling and syntax is essential. Contextualising what you are hearing while typing and understanding how grammar and punctuation can convey or change a speaker’s intended meaning is critical.

Listening. You’re listening to audio and video files through a headset, and for many files these days, the audio quality can be average at best, the speakers may have unfamiliar accents, and discerning individual speakers for speaker identification can be challenging. You need to have good hearing as well as listening skills.

Time management. As with most jobs – whether paid or unpaid, managing your time well and wisely is vital. Even though you are working from home and running your own business, you still need to meet critical deadlines and balance competing priorities.

Take pride in your work. You’re running your own business! You should be proud of your productivity, transcript quality and work achievements. Working autonomously can be a challenge for some; this is your time to shine and demonstrate your initiative and go-getting attitude.

Communication without barriers. You may not be sharing an office with colleagues, but that doesn’t mean communication with others needs to suffer. There are many online communication tools which enhance timely communication, but the most important of all is your attitude. You need to be an open and honest communicator, so you, the companies you are contracting to, and your clients, have a shared understanding of what the expectations are, and when and how deadlines are met.

Be security-savvy. As with all online engagement, being security savvy is essential. You’re not only responsible for your own online security at your workstation, but you are the caretaker of extremely sensitive, confidential and privileged client information. Your security awareness and practices must be demonstrable and above reproach.

With an excellent typing speed, a wealth of transferable skills, exceptional research abilities, and a secure workstation with a transcription foot pedal and transcription software, you’re well on your way to becoming a highly sought-after typing contractor.

For more information on becoming a typing contractor with Pacific Transcription, visit our Careers page. Or if you are ready to launch your career as a typing contractor with Pacific Transcription, click here to start your application!    

 Updated: 22/06/2022, 04/08/2022

The post Become A Skilled & Talented Typing Contractor – Here’s How appeared first on Pacific Transcription.

Many medical, legal, insurance and business professionals use their smartphones to dictate letters, notes, advices and reports on a daily basis.  Did you know that is also simple to record interviews using your smartphone? Many of Pacific’s research and academic clients use the inbuilt recording app in their smartphones, to record interviews.  The audio files are then uploaded to their secure client account via Google Chrome browser on their smartphone.

The flexibility of only using one device to record and upload has made our client’s workflow so much easier to manage.

Once the audio files are uploaded to a Pacific secure client account, Pacific’s professional typing team transcribe the audio files and return the completed transcripts to the client.  It really is that easy.

Smartphone microphone quality

The quality of smartphone recording apps and inbuilt microphones has excelled in the last few years.  Long gone are the days when you needed a separate professional digital dictation device, such as a digital Dictaphone, to record high-quality dictations.  Today, every smartphone has the capacity to record crystal clear audio because the in-built microphones are of exceptional quality.

Dictating with a Professional Dictation App

Paired with a professional dictation app, such as the Dictate+ app which has all the features and functionality of a Dictaphone (i.e., Insert, Overwrite), dictating audio for transcription has never been easier.

Using your Smartphone to Record Important Interviews

If you aren’t dictating (one voice) or don’t have the need for a professional dictation app, simply use the inbuilt smartphone recording app which comes with most phones.  Many researchers and academics who wish to record interviews are utilising the inbuilt recording features of smartphones, to suit their workflow.

Most inbuilt recording apps come with the basic features of a digital recording device, such as:

• A record/pause function,
• Ability to record in .m4a format, and
• Ability to change the audio file name.

There’s no longer a need for a separate recording device, such as a digital recorder.  Use what you have at hand, and be confident that smartphones have the capacity to produce exceptional quality audio, in quiet environments.

Recording Interviews for Research?  Follow these smartphone audio recording instructions for better results

Of course, it pays to follow the usual instructions when recording interviews for research:

• Test the recording app first!
• Make sure your smartphone is charged,
• Find a suitable location to conduct the interviews – avoid loud air conditioners, noisy roads and busy coffee shops,
• Ensure the smartphone recording app is open and the record button is pressed, and that the smartphone is close to both speakers (to capture good quality audio),
• Don’t eat while recording! Keep the rustling of papers, clinking of cutlery and clatter of coffee cups to a minimum,
• Once you’ve finished recording remember to press the stop button.

What’s more, it’s easy to upload your dictations from your mobile phone to your Pacific secure client account.  Once you’ve set up the default pathway to retrieve audio from your phone for upload, simply log into your secure online account with Pacific on your mobile phone, and upload your files, to be transcribed within the timeframe which suits you.

If you don’t yet have a secure online client account with Pacific, click here to register.

I’m using my phone to record – how do I upload to my secure Pacific online account?

It’s easy.

1. Use Google Chrome to easily access our transcription services online.
2. Click on the 3 dots at the top right of your screen and select ‘Add to Home Screen’. This will create a shortcut app on your mobile’s home screen.
3. Arrange your Voice Recorder App and the Pacific shortcut beside each other on your mobile.
4. Using your phone record your audio file(s) via your recorder app, click on the Pacific app, and enter your username and password.
5. Select upload new audio.
6. Scroll down to select files, then files.
7. Click ‘audio’ (options are images, audio, videos etc).
8. Upload.

Done!

Dictating or recording important interviews using your smartphone is easy.  Uploading to your secure Pacific client account is easy also!

While a smartphone audio recording is serviceable, our dedicated transcription products excel in quality and performance and we invite you to browse our extensive selection online. If you have further questions or would like more information, connect with us online or call us on 1300 662 173 – we’re here to help.

The post Using your smartphone to record audio is easy! appeared first on Pacific Transcription.

One of the ways companies ensure this is by implementing a regular IT maintenance schedule, which is used to monitor, manage and schedule updates and patches to IT systems used by the company.  Without this activity companies would be leaving themselves – and by extension, their clients – exposed and vulnerable to cyber threats and attacks.

At Pacific we have a coordinated and regular IT maintenance schedule.  This schedule is flexible enough to meet the ever changing IT environment, and secure enough to ensure potential breaches and exploits are identified and dealt with, well before anything untoward occurs.

We’re proactive, rather than reactive with our secure audio transcription service.  We ensure the people managing our patches and updates are experts in their fields.  We are acutely aware that in order to provide a safe and secure environment to our clients and our client’s data, we must have the best IT professionals available to oversee our systems and processes.

This is why, from time to time, you may see our websites and client login areas down for scheduled maintenance.  But most of the time you won’t even notice.  Our safe and secure IT systems generally operate in the background, unnoticed by clients, but providing peace of mind.  Because we care about our clients, we do the hard work to maintain robust IT systems which exceed best practice.

Having a regular IT maintenance schedule is just one of the many ways Pacific ensures that we deliver a secure transcription service and that our client data is safe and secure.  If you would like to know more about how our systems protect our client data, drop us an email or give us a call on 1300 662 173.  We’d love to speak with you!

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In order to fit your specific needs, we offer a range of customisable templates, formatting options, and transcription styles.

A one-size-fits-all approach does not work for our diverse range of clients. From telephone interviews to focus groups, we provide a wide variety of transcript types to our clients, which span a broad range of topics and purposes. If the transcripts we produce are so diverse in content, why should they all look the same?

Formatting

Speaker ID

The standard Pacific transcript labels speakers as ‘Facilitator’ and ‘Speaker’ for one-on-one interviews. If there are multiple interviewees, speakers are identified ‘Speaker’, and by a new line at every speaker change.  For a transcript of a group interview, this can be quite confusing. This is why we offer Speaker Identification.

Our customisable options allow you to assign names, numbers, or your own codes to identify each speaker. This way it will be much easier to follow along when reading the transcript and quickly draw information for analysis.

Example: Without speaker identification

Facilitator:     Hi everyone, let’s start with names and occupations.

Speaker:        Hi, my name is Jane. I’m a GP. I work at the Kenmore Clinic.

Speaker:        I’m Alice.

Speaker:        And I’m Nick. I work in aged care as a nurse.

Speaker:        Oh, and I’m a surgeon.

De-Identification

We understand that confidentiality is vital for many of our clients so there is an option to de-identify any reference to people’s names, businesses and/or places. They will simply be replaced by [de-Identified].

Example: With name and place de-identification

Facilitator:     Hi everyone, let’s start with names and occupations.

Speaker:        Hi, my name is [de-identified]. I’m a GP. I work at the [de-identified].

Speaker:        I’m [de-identified].

Speaker:        And I’m [de-identified]. I work in aged care as a nurse.

Speaker:        Oh, and I’m a surgeon.

Line and Paragraph Numbering

Numbering the lines in your transcript makes it easier to find your place while analysing the transcript. You can choose to add line numbering as frequently as you would like – every line, paragraph, or every 20 lines. Whatever works best for you!

Example: Line numbering at every five lines

Timestamping

Timestamping is a fantastic option for those who wish to listen to the transcript while reading. It can be quite difficult to find your place in the middle of a recording. We offer four timestamping intervals. The most common intervals chosen by clients are intervals of every five minutes or more, or intervals at every speaker change.

Example: Timestamps at intervals of every five minutes

Facilitator:     Hi everyone, let’s start with names and occupations.

Speaker:        Hi, my name is Jane. I’m a GP. I work at the Kenmore Clinic.

Speaker:        I’m Alice.

Speaker:        And I’m Nick. I work [15:00] in aged care as a nurse.

Speaker:        Oh, and I’m a surgeon.

Transcription Style

Intelligent Verbatim

The Pacific Transcription standard transcription style is Intelligent Verbatim. When people speak, they often repeat words, have false starts, use informal language and use fillers such as ‘like’. This style captures everything that the speaker says while omitting those “incidentals” listed and adjusting to contain more formal language. Non-verbal cues are only included if they add meaning to the speaker’s words. For example [Laughs] will be used if the speaker makes a joke that may not translate through text. Intelligent Verbatim is suited to most clients as it enhances readability without losing any of its meaning.

Example: Intelligent verbatim style – slightly edited

Facilitator:     Great, let’s continue. Could you all please tell me your occupations?

Speaker:        I’m a GP. I work at the Kenmore Clinic.

Speaker:        I’m a surgeon at the local hospital.

Speaker:        I work in aged care as a nurse.

Facilitator:     Is working in the health care industry something you’ve always envisioned?

Speaker:        Actually no, I originally studied to be an accountant.

Strict Verbatim

Strict Verbatim includes all of the things that Intelligent Verbatim leaves out. It is an exact transcript of what was said. All filler words, informal language and repetition is included.  Simply put, everything that is heard is included. Strict Verbatim is great for research where qualitative analysis of the interviewee’s answers is key.

Example: Strict verbatim

Facilitator:     Great, let’s continue. Could you all please tell me your occupations?

Speaker:        I’m a – I’m a GP. I work at the, um, Kenmore Clinic, yeah.

Speaker:        I’m a surgeon at the, like, local hospital.

Speaker:        I’m, I work as, um, I’m in aged care as a nurse.

Facilitator:     Ok. So, is working in the health care industry something you’ve always envisioned?

Speaker:        Actually no, I originally studied to be an accountant [laughs].

Templates

At Pacific Transcription we have a discrete selection of standard templates which will suit most clients. We have a standard template that the majority of our clients are happy to use. However, we also offer a few templates designed to be used with qualitative analysis software programs, such as NVivo and ATLAS.ti.

Qualitative Analysis Templates

Basic

This option is a simplified version of our Standard template. It enables you to easily import the transcript into NVivo (or most other qualitative analysis programs). This template does not automatically code speakers or organise according to interview questions.

Headings Simple

The Headings Simple template uses the Microsoft Word headings function to label each speaker. When this is imported into NVivo you can easily sort answers by speaker name.

Headings Questions

If you have a structured interview, with a set list of questions, Headings Questions is a great template option for you. Send in a list of your questions and we can structure the transcript based on these. Within NVivo you can analyse each interviewees’ response to any particular question much more easily and efficiently.

Synchronised

NVivo Synchronised transcripts are timecoded and formatted for import into NVivo. These transcripts automatically synchronise with the original video or recording for easy and in-depth analysis. This is perfect for qualitative research as it allows you to analyse emotion, sarcasm and other things that are not translatable through text alone. This option is particularly popular for researchers conducting focus groups or semi-structured/unstructured interviews.

Your Own Template

At Pacific Transcription we understand that our templates may not suit your requirements. If you have a specific template that you would like us to use, let us know and we will accommodate your needs.  When you receive your transcript, you will not have to spend your time reformatting the document. You will have a transcript fully customised to match your requirements.

Visit our brochures page to view Pacific’s transcript examples.

Talk with us today about how we can tailor your transcript template, style, or format to suit your specific needs. For further questions or enquiries, contact one of our transcription specialists by calling 1300 662 173 or connect with us online.

Updated 26/07/2022, 11/02/2025

The post Customisable Transcripts to Suit Your Individual Needs appeared first on Pacific Transcription.

Working as a professional typist can be an exciting career for many people. You may be adding this to your tasks as a secretary or working as an independent contractor. This job entails listening to audio files and converting them into text. The type of audio files you may encounter range from research interviews, and medical dictations to business meetings. Transcripts are required for these areas to provide an accurate record of what was said.

Being a typist is a great career option for people who have a desire for lifelong learning and are determined to produce high-quality work. An independent typing contractor working for Pacific Transcription receives many benefits including flexible working hours, the ability to work from home and the satisfaction of running their own business.

What Background Knowledge Does a Professional Typist Need?

To be a successful typist, you need to be knowledgeable in the field you are transcribing. For example, if you will be working as a medical transcriptionist, having knowledge of medical terminology will be a great advantage. The same applies if you are working in academic, legal or business fields. Being knowledgeable in the jargon of the field you are transcribing will help you work more efficiently and create a more accurate transcript.

If you will be working as a typing contractor for a business such as Pacific Transcription, having strong general knowledge and a keen interest in world events will be looked upon favourably. Familiarity with a broad range of subjects when working as a professional typist is vital as you will be challenged with a diverse range of topics.

Probably the most important things for transcriptionists to understand are the rules of English writing. You need to have a strong grasp of spelling, grammar and sentence structures. Knowing simple things, such as the difference between your and you’re, vastly improves the quality of a professional transcript. Take the time to brush up on the basics and improve your writing.

What Skills Are Required to be a Successful Typist?

To be a professional typist you require certain skills which can be acquired through practice.

For example, a Pacific Transcription typist needs to be able to type at a speed of 70 words per minute with 97% accuracy. You may not be at that speed and accuracy yet, but you can reach this speed and accuracy with practice. There are many free typing practice programs and tests online to help improve your speed. Also, you can utilise hotkeys and text expansion apps such as Breevy and PhraseExpander to type with more efficiency.

Some other skills that will be helpful for any typist include:

• Time management
• Computer literacy
• Strong attention to detail
• Communication
• Understanding accents
• Research (e.g. Google)

Which Tools Are Recommended for a Professional Typist?

There are many software programs and equipment that you can utilise to make typing a breeze.

Specialised transcription software programs such as ODMS, SpeechExec Pro and Express Scribe provide a variety of features to optimise your audio. Some of these features include background noise cancellation, speed adjustment and tone control. These are all useful features for transcribing as they can make the audio easier to understand and leads to more accuracy.

In terms of equipment, a foot pedal and a headset are recommended.

Foot pedals

Foot pedals work in conjunction with your transcription software to control the audio playback hands-free. They generally have three to four buttons which you can configure to have a variety of settings. Most commonly, people have the buttons set to play/pause, fast-forward and rewind. Some other functions can include slowdown, jump or next dictation. By allowing you to focus on typing, foot pedals are a simple-to-use tool that can greatly improve your efficiency as a typist. Pacific Transcription sells a range of foot pedals from leading brands, Olympus and Philips.

Headsets

A good quality headset is a requirement for any transcription work. Specialised transcription headsets such as the Olympus E-103 or the Philips LFH-334 are designed with comfort and audio clarity in mind. Transcription headsets are generally ‘on-ear’. For many people, on-ear and lightweight transcription headsets are the most comfortable for wearing over long periods of time. Another advantage of using a transcription headset is that its design is optimised for the frequency range of the human voice.

For further information on transcription software, foot pedals and headsets, please contact the Pacific Transcription Products Team. Some other software and equipment you may want to consider getting are speakers, text expansion apps and the latest version of Microsoft office.

Typists play a vital role in many businesses, so get started with all the skills and tools required to become successful in this field. Good luck and happy typing! If you have further questions about typing or working at a transcription company please call us on 1300 662 173 or contact us online.

Updated 26/07/2022

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