When you record an interview or meeting that you will want to be transcribed by a transcription service, it isn’t as easy as it sounds. Having more individuals in the meeting can make it harder to get a high-quality recording. Issues like background noise, speaking over one-another, interjection, and obstruction of speech can happen. If there are multiple speakers it is not realistic that you can get a perfect recording. Some things can be done to help improve the quality of the audio when you do your recording of the meeting or special event.
How to Record a Meeting for Transcription
There are five tips you should follow when recording a meeting that you will want a transcription service to use. The guidelines to follow will give you the best chance of receiving a high-quality recording and therefore, a more accurate transcript.
For Accurate Transcription – Record Your Meeting in a Quiet Space
The area that you will conduct your meeting or group interview should be prepared ahead of time. Pick an area that won’t have a lot of traffic (inside or out). Make sure the room doesn’t have a lot of echoes. If it does, then adding cushions to absorb some of the sounds. By doing these things the quality of your recording much easier to hear and transcribe.
- The Best Microphone Placement for Optimum Sound Quality
Microphone place is one of several things you need to consider. The size of the room and the number of speakers, and even the furniture in the room can all have an effect on the quality of the recording you get. If there are air conditioners, heaters, or other noisy machinery they should all be switched off. If that is not something you have control off then place your microphone away from where they are located and running. An omnidirectional microphone is probably the best choice if you do a lot of meetings and don’t want to buy a lot of recording equipment. Roving and lavalier microphones are both great for conferences, interviews, and large events.
- Participant Introductions for Transcription
It is always good to have the participants to introduce themselves at the beginning of a discussion. It makes the speaker feel more at ease but it also helps the transcriptionists identify who is speaking. Group interview transcription services because of participant identification. You need to remember that the transcriptionist has never met any of the speakers and only has the sound of their voice as a way to identify them. A little intro about themselves allows the typist to know their voice, tone, pitch, and accent and that aids them in identifying the speaker.
- Make Use of a Good Group Moderator
A moderator will brief each participant of the meeting or discussion group prior to the event happening. They will put forth the rules that need to be followed. At the very least they should ask the speakers to limit interjection. The group needs to be respectful of those who are speaking. They also should not over-speak and limit eating or drinking during the discussion. Excess noise will make it very difficult for the transcriptionist to hear what is being said.
- How to Make a Clear Meeting Agenda
Have a clear meeting agenda in place. This will allow you to get the most out of your participant and it will keep the discussion moving on point. Without proper planning, the conversation can easily go off onto other topics. The more this happens the less helpful the transcription will be of help.
Our Syracuse, New York Transcription Services office can be reached at (315) 454-3969. You can also use our convenient contact form on our Transcriptionist Contact Page.
