Hi SuperPA.  My boss wants me to do audio typing.  I don't like the thought of being plugged into a machine.  Am I overreacting?  

Yes!  Sorry a bit of a blunt answer.  I only say that with confidence because I was in exactly same situation a few years back.  I resisted it completely and insisted on the purchase of new equipment as a sort of bribe.  Of course the moment came when I had to do it, and to be honest I discovered I didn't mind doing it after all.  The reasons I didn't mind were as follows:
  • My boss's handwriting was so poor that I often made mistakes or had to ask him to translate his work.  With dictation he was clearly spoken and spelled out any difficult names etc.  
  • It is much easier to get a good speed up doing transcription than reading from copy.
  • People are less likely to disturb you if you have headphones on.  I would make sure you get proper overhead phones, not the in ear ones.
  • I could use the headphones to be plugged into music on my PC and people thought I was working hard on my dictation (of course I was working but had the pleasure of music to accompany me).
  • It became another transferrable skill.
It is important that your boss has a good dictation technique, speaking clearly, spelling unusual words or proper names, and avoiding extraneous noise like sirens going past the window.  Here is an article with some guidance for people giving dictation which you might want to pass around to the relevant people: http://atmac.org/dictating-well-principles-from-a-master

Don't forget, if you are in a regular dictator/transcriber relationship you can develop and understanding of each other's preferred styles and dictation needs.  Communicate any difficulties that you experience, for example if the person is too quiet or needs to spell out particular words, early on and you will both be happier in the long run.

I have put a link at the bottom of this post to a typical transcription kit.  I do feel it is worth the investment in a foot control as this gives you greater control and helps you to complete the work much more quickly.  If you do not like this particular model just follow the link and search for 'digital transcription'.

I had occasion to look up online transcription services recently and this might be another option.  I will link to some providers at the bottom of this post (please note that I have not used any of these companies so cannot guarantee the quality of their work - if anyone wants to make a recommendation based on their own experience I will happily post it).  If you use a digital dictation machine you can download the work as an electronic file and email it to a transcription company, but most will take tapes if sent by post.  They will type it up for you and email it back. Prices start at £1 per minute plus VAT for transcription of one person.

Of course if your manager feels they are already paying you to do the work then you might struggle to convince them to stump up the money for someone else to do it.  It might be a good option for them to consider if you are going on holiday though.

So in summary, I think the benefits outweigh the perceived costs (which to be honest are mostly in your mind).  Adding this skill to your CV could make the difference between you and someone else getting the next job you go for.  You might even want to move into online secretarial work in years to come, in which case transcription skills will be essential.  Keep your options open by adding to your skill set.  Any plug yourself in to some good music every now and again!

http://www.rosettatranslation.com/transcription/  

http://www.ubiqus.co.uk/

http://www.uktranscription.com/

http://www.ibtranscriptionservices.co.uk/

Add Comment