What Is Speech to Text Transcription?

The Oxford Reference Dictionary of Business and Management defines speech to text transcription as “the transfer of audio data whether from a live conversation, audio file or video soundtrack and recording it in a written format.” As would be expected, that is a very accurate description of the term.

In reality, though, speech to text is much more. A better definition would be; speech to text transcription is a tool that businesses and professionals of almost every ilk can use to increase their profitability and widen their reach. It is a way they can smooth their office’s workflow, improve morale and reclaim their lives.

What Is the Difference Between Translation and Transcription?

Two terms that are often confused are translation and transcription. While both can involve recording information, they serve very different functions and have little else in common.

Transcription is taking verbal communication and then creating a written record of what has been said in the same language. Translation involves taking written or verbal communications in one language and converting them to a second language.

Translations can be verbal or text, and parties customarily use them when they do not share a common language. Their primary function is to make communications possible where they would otherwise be difficult at best. Transcription is creating a detailed account of what has been said in a written form. Its purpose is to create an accurate text record which, depending on the field of use, can serve many functions.

Transcriptions tend to be straightforward in nature and leave little to no room for misinterpretations as long as the context is maintained. Translating is a very inexact science at best. There are many terms in any language that are difficult, if not impossible, to give a direct translation. Every language also contains colloquial expressions that are easily misinterpreted by anyone who has not grown up within that specific culture. Anyone who has tried to use ‘Google Translate’ for a page in a foreign language has probably seen the comical results it can generate.

How Does Transcription Benefit Businesses?

From vlogging to scientific research, people operating in any field can benefit from using a transcription service. Just a few examples to illustrate the diverse ways that transcriptions can benefit various businesses include:

• Research shows that physicians who use a transcription service enjoy higher productivity, increased profits, and more free time for themselves. Their staffs also score higher on job satisfaction and morale surveys.

• Scientists working on research projects have found that transcription services enable them to accomplish more. Rather than break their concentration and make notes, they can focus on their work and simply speak aloud what they want recorded for later review.

• Video may be the king on social media platforms, but search engines aren’t watching. Adding transcripts to posts allows content to be indexed. This dramatically increases SEO scores and potentially increases web traffic.

• Transcription work is usually an added chore for businesses. By using a transcription service, all business types can experience increased productivity by allowing employees to focus on their primary tasks.

• Accurate transcriptions of conversations can reduce a businesses’ liability. At any time, companies can review a conversation to protect against false claims.

These are just a handful of the ways that businesses benefit from using a transcription service. Contact Athreon about their transcription services and see why some of the world’s most prestigious institutions trust their hybrid blend of AI transcription technology and human expertise. Athreon offers a free trial, and they can provide more information on how they help organizations in your specific industry.