General transcription is usually the entry point for someone brand new to the transcription world.  Consequently, general is usually easier to learn than some other types of transcription.

So let’s dig a little deeper and find out more.

Entry-level general transcription.

If you are a beginner, your best bet is to start with one-voice audio.  As a result, this allows you to become familiar with that particular voice.  In addition, you get accustomed to the cadence or speech pattern. Therefore, you should find these kinds of files easy to transcribe.

Some examples of one-voice audio are:

• Speeches
• Sermons
• Webinars
• Lectures
• Dictation – other than medical or legal

RELATED:  General Transcription:  Level 1

Next-level general transcription.

Once you master single-voice audio files, what’s next?  We suggest that you elevate your skills.  How?  Move to two or three voices.  Cultivate and hone your listening skills.  As a result, you can distinguish between the various voices as you are transcribing.  Therefore, you can correctly identify each speaker in the transcript.

Examples of this type are:

• Insurance statements
• Podcasts
• Interviews

RELATED:  General Transcription:  Level 2

Higher-level general transcription.

When you are ready to move into more difficult transcription, consider multiple voices.  You might find these files quite challenging, though.  Why?  Because of overlapping voices.  As you can imagine, overspeaking does occur unless well controlled by a moderator.  Things sometimes do get out of control.

In addition, you might be furnished poor quality audio.  Speakers may not use microphones.  Background noises.  Speakers mumble.  Someone coughs right on top of your speaker.  

Some examples of multiple-voice general transcription are:

• Focus groups
• Board meetings
• Public meetings

Also, as a side note, some zoning, commission, and other types of meetings are considered legal transcription.  Therefore, a legal transcriptionist is often hired to produce those kinds of files.

Highest-level general transcription.

Files containing a mixture of two or more languages fall into this category.  For instance, a speaker who jumps between their native language and English.  Or what about an interpreter who speaks on top of someone else?

You might find that creating an accurate transcript is overwhelming.  If so, you may want to leave these files for those who know the language or accent better than you do.  Why is this type considered the most difficult?  Because you will need both translation AND transcription skills.

So … as you can see … general transcription is a large umbrella. As a result, it covers lots of different types of work.

Do you want a legitimate job working from your home?

Remote transcription is a great choice.  Further, general transcription is a great starting point!

Oh, wait!  Is training really needed for transcribing general files?

The answer is:  That depends on you, your background, your education, your skills, your overall command of the English language and its nuances.  Transcription involves knowing and understanding a lot of English slang or regional vernacular, too.  How strong is your vocabulary?

And, lastly, we transcribe the words as spoken, not how we wish they were spoken.

RELATED:  Learn to Transcribe

Training?

At our Learn to Transcribe™ Academy, we offer a variety of courses and teach you how each is done.  You also practice transcribing them.  Thus, it won’t take you long to discover your favorites before launching into your new career!

Ready to get started and eliminate some of your guesswork?  Check out our courses!