Verbatim vs. Intelligent Verbatim Transcription

Mar 15, 2023

The Transcription Duel:
Full Verbatim vs. Intelligent Verbatim Transcription,

Which One Reigns Supreme?

Unpacking the Pros and Cons of Two Popular Transcription Styles 

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When it comes to transcribing audio and video content, there are two main approaches: full verbatim and intelligent verbatim transcription. Both methods have their own strengths and weaknesses and choosing the right one depends on the specific goals of the project. As an example of strengths, the former lends itself to court proceedings whereas the latter allows for a clearer interpretation of what is said. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between full verbatim and intelligent verbatim transcription, and help you determine which method is best for your project.

Unpacking the Pros and Cons of Full Verbatim and Intelligent Verbatim Transcription Styles

The full verbatim transcription meaning is to have a word-for-word transcription of audio or video content, capturing every filler word, hesitation and repetition. This method is ideal for legal and court proceedings as well as for capturing the exact wording of a conversation or speech. This is critical when legal jargon is at play, as any kind of misunderstanding can lead to dire consequences for individuals during the trial process. The goal of full verbatim transcription is to create an accurate and comprehensive record of the spoken content.

A full verbatim transcription example: “So, anyway, you know, that I’m planning to start the, erm, task in mmm, let’s see, actually no ah, definitely on the, erm, the 1st of April. It’s a, erm, complex issue, you see? So, eh, I plan to let all stakeholders know my kinda thinking so that they are aware of the erm, ramifications of it. You get it, right? If that makes sense?.”

The Intelligent verbatim transcription meaning, also known as clean or edited transcription, is aimed at producing a more readable and concise version of the audio or video content. This method removes filler words, repetitions and other distractions. This results in polished text that’s easier to read and understand. Intelligent verbatim transcription is commonly used in research, journalism and business, where a clean and concise transcription is essential.

An intelligent verbatim transcription example: “So, I’m planning to start on the 1st of April. It’s a complex issue, you see? I plan to let all stakeholders know my kind of thinking so that they are aware of the ramifications of it. You get it, right? If that makes sense?.”

While there are clear distinctions between full verbatim and intelligent verbatim transcription, other key differences exist.

More Key Differences Unpacked

One key difference between full verbatim and intelligent verbatim transcription is the level of detail. Full verbatim transcription provides a complete record of the spoken content, including every word, hesitation, and repetition, while intelligent verbatim transcription removes these distractions and focuses on the key information. This makes full verbatim transcription more suitable for legal and court proceedings, where a complete record of the conversation is crucial. On the other hand, intelligent verbatim transcription is ideal for research, journalism and business, important for industries where speed and accuracy are key. Usually, full verbatim transcription involves transcribing every word and nonverbal utterance into word format. This means that any grammatical errors, repetition or false starts are delivered as is. Everything a person says is faithfully transcribed in a true verbatim transcription. This may also include verbal nods and unique personality ticks.
intelligent-verbatim-transcription

Intelligent verbatim incorporates a non-verbatim transcription methodology and is the preferred method of businesses seeking transcriptions of seminars, meetings or lectures. Non-verbatim transcription is easier on the reader because it eliminates repetitions, false starts and other nonverbal utterances. In this case, transcribers do not type the words as spoken. Fillers or repetitions in people’s speech patterns are removed, along with paraphrase statements to convey the same idea more succinctly. So, if you want a short and clean text that is easy to read and understand, use intelligent verbatim transcription.

Another key difference between full verbatim and intelligent verbatim is the level of accuracy. Verbatim transcription is highly accurate, capturing every word spoken, while intelligent transcription is more subjective, with the transcriber making decisions about what to include and what to omit. This can impact the accuracy of the transcription, as the transcriber may inadvertently leave out important information or insert their own biases. The latter can easily lead to reputational damage, especially in the areas of journalism and business. Intelligent verbatim transcription, however, provides a more polished and readable text, which is often more suitable for research and analysis.

The Price Difference

Full verbatim and intelligent verbatim transcription also differ in terms of cost and turnaround time. The former is more time-consuming and typically more costly, as the transcriber must transcribe every word and hesitation. The latter is faster and less expensive, as the transcriber has the freedom to remove distractions and focus on the key information. Consideration must be given to which kind of transcription method is more suitable for your business. When deciding between full verbatim and intelligent verbatim transcription, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of your project. Full verbatim transcription is ideal for legal and court proceedings, where an accurate record of the conversation is crucial to avoid words and meanings being misconstrued. On the other hand, intelligent verbatim transcription is better suited for research initiatives, journalist articles and business projects, sectors where speed of information dissemination is often a value proposition. Aside from the damage misquoting a speaker can cause, a key addition to a company’s value proposition is usually its price point. Traditionally, if you wanted a verbatim transcription, you should expect to pay more. Because every sound had to be meticulously recorded, the transcriber would spend significantly more time on these documents. The investment of the cost incurred is therefore worthwhile considering its long term effects and immediate peace of mind presented.

Conclusion

In conclusion, full verbatim and intelligent verbatim transcription are two distinct approaches to audio and video transcription services, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. When choosing between the two, it’s important to consider the specific requirements and goals of your project, as well as the level of accuracy and detail required, the cost and the turnaround time. Whether you choose one or the other, it is essential to work with a professional and experienced transcription service to ensure the best possible results.

With a 21-year track record of excellence, we are considered a trusted partner by many blue-chip companies across a wide range of industries. At this stage of your business, it may be worth your while to invest in a human transcription service that has a Way With Words.