Tools and Tips for Transcribing More Efficiently

Hello and welcome! 

The goal of this video series is to introduce you, a Multilingual Connections (MLC) freelance linguist, to a handful of software and Microsoft Word features that will help you complete transcription projects more quickly and efficiently. 

Thank you, and see you in the videos below!

1. Helpful hardware and software

1.1 Foot Pedal

The importance of using a foot pedal and a brief overview. 

1.2 Audio File Player - Express Scribe

The importance of using  an audio file player such as Express Scribe and a quick introduction to the software. 

Link for downloading NCH Express Scribe: https://www.nch.com.au/scribe/index.html. 

1.3 Express Scribe - Loading/Deleting Files

We demonstrate how to load and remove files from Express Scribe.

List of file formats that Express Scribe accepts (Basic vs. Pro): https://www.nch.com.au/scribe/kb/656.html. 

1.4 Express Scribe - Setting up Time Stamping

We demonstrate how to program a time stamp shortcut in Express Scribe. This will save you so much time when transcribing! 

1.5 Express Scribe - Special Audio Processes

We demonstrate how to use Express Scribe’s audio quality improvement features. 

1.6 Fast-Fox Text Expander - Intro

Brief introduction to Fastfox, a super useful text-expanding tool. 

2. MS Word Helpful Features

2.1 Word - Keyboard Shortcuts

The most time-saving keyboard shortcuts for navigating Word docs during transcription, translation, and editing jobs.

Our Transcription Connection "Tips" page contains a list of shortcuts featured in this video: https://sites.google.com/mlconnections.com/transcriptioncorner/tips?authuser=0 

2.2 Find Time Stamps

How to find time stamps more efficiently. 

2.3 Autocorrect Uncommon Words

How to program Microsoft Word to autocorrect uncommon words into similarly-spelled words that are more common.

In this video we use two Spanish sample words:

- gusto (pleasure) will be autocorrected into gustó (liked)

- agarre (grab) will be autocorrected into agarré (grabbed).

2.4 Erase Time Stamps before Translating in the Right Column

How to quickly erase all foreign language timestamps in the right column of a Double Column transcript.

2.5 Delete Empty Cells

How to quickly delete empty cells in your transcript using a modified version of the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + End.

2.6 Find Bold Text for Translation-Only Projects

How to quickly find bold text for translation-only projects using the "Find" feature in Word.

2.7 Tables: Inserting Rows and Inserting a Tab After Speaker ID

How to insert speaker rows in a table and how to insert a tab after a speaker ID. Especially helpful for law enforcement jobs or any project that uses tables.

2.8 How to Bold Text but Not Bold Speaker IDs

Helpful for when you have translated a large portion and then need to bold all you translated, but not the IDs.

2.9 Unbold Speaker IDs Quickly

Helpful for when you have translated a large portion and then need to bold all you translated, but not the IDs.