How To Transcribe Audio Using Google And Microsoft Software

Transcribing audio is the process where speech is converted into text. There are many software services nowadays to convert audio to text automatically. But sometimes, people still opt to transcribe the recorded audio manually for specific scenes like when someone is crying or describing epiphora, a condition where there are excessive tears in the face (read about this condition at www.morningtoneye.com.au/2020/09/30/what-is-epiphora-everything-you-need-to-know.) Transcription surely requires intelligent and fact-based judgment as well. Let us discuss how to transcribe audio and the techniques used by professionals to convert audio recordings to a Word document effectively.

Audio Transcription Software from Google

Many people in business who attend seminars and conferences prefer to use the free audio to text transcription from google. Indeed, listening and watching videos is good, but reading what the speaker says helps a lot. Besides, if you are working on a budget, a free audio transcription service will probably work for you.

Here’s how to transcribe with google document voice typing

• The first step is to open a google document
• Go to select tools and choose “Voice Typing.”
• Choose your preferred language
• Prepare for the audio recording
• Click the microphone icon (it needs to turn red)

Note: It’s essential to click the microphone icon right after you begin the audio you want to be transcribed.

Moreover, the accuracy of the audio transcription will vary on how clear the audio file is. If the person is speaking crystal clear, you’ll be satisfied with the overall output. However, if the speaker’s voice is a bit blurry, it might not transcribe audio correctly.

Additionally, periods, commas, and other grammatical necessities are not included. You may need to edit the transcription manually.

Google Live Transcribe

Here’s another option for you. Google live transcribe is a phone application that converts audio to text live on your phone’s screen. The process is easy: you download the app on your phone and let it do its job. The app is also automatic, and it begins transcribing right after you load it, a feature that deaf people would enjoy.

Both of these google transcribing features are free, but beware as they are not accurate. If you plan to use them for business purposes, you will need to double-check each word as you play the audio.

Microsoft Transcription

Microsoft’s Transcribe feature can convert speech to text. It is also not as accurate, and you may need to edit the text afterward. You have the option to save the transcript as a word file or use it as additional snippets to old word documents.

Two ways to transcribe

1. Directly record the audio in Word
2. Upload audio file

Directly Recording in Word:

What’s good about this feature is that you can record directly in Word. It transcribes the audio as you record, but you will not see the transcription while still recording. You will see the final transcript after you save it. So what do you need to do? Follow the steps below:

• Ensure that you are logged in to Microsoft 365 using Edge or Chrome
• Find Home, go to Dictate, then Transcribe
• Next, select Start Recording
• Allow all permissions (microphone use, etc.)
• Check the pause icon. It should be outlined in blue before you begin
• Start speaking; make sure to speak clearly for accuracy
• You can click pause if you need a break
• Once you are done speaking, click the Save and Transcribe Now button
• The transcription process may need some time, depending on the speed of your internet.

Transcribing a Pre-recorded Audio File:

You also have the option to transcribe recorded audio files. However, the service is only limited to five hours of uploaded recordings per month.

Here’s the process of transcribing audio files:

• Log in to Microsoft 365
• Go to the Home page and click Dictate then choose Transcribe
• In the transcribe menu, click upload audio
• Start transcribing. The transcription might take a few minutes, depending on your internet.

Helpful Tips

Before you start recording and transcribing, it’s essential to consider your environment. The noise in your surroundings can affect the quality of the transcript and might affect the output. For your reference, here are some tips that you might find helpful:

• find a quiet space to work in
• check your internet connection
• always make sure that the button to record is clicked
• check if your mic is working
• ensure that your dictation is clear
• listen to your audio afterward and double-check the transcript

Who Needs Audio Transcription?

So why do people need to transcribe their audio files? The answers are different for each industry, but only one thing is for sure, to promote clear communication.

Media and Journalism. One of the essential things in journalism is transcription. It enables a journalist to stay focused on essential details and get the essential information he needs. It’s also a good way for them to prevent wasting time.

Academic Purposes. Researching can be very time-consuming if you don’t have the right tools. Transcription can be helpful to make their research quicker.

Generally, modern technology has evolved a lot and helped us in so many different ways. Because of this, even deaf people can communicate effectively. Additionally, it has helped students and researchers finish their work on time.

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