Podcasts are serial video or audio digital files available over the internet either for streaming or download. Podcasts can essentially be any form of recordings including; recorded lectures, news updates, guided museum / city tours, business meetings and sermons as well as a number of other audio recordings. When recording any audio or video podcasts, the transcription process should be factored in mind.

The success of the transcription process relies largely on the quality of the recorded podcasts.

The preparation phase should be meticulously structured. The production process varies with different recording environments, and setbacks should always be expected. Source for the recording equipment required, well in advance, and carry out test recordings to learn how to properly handle the equipment.

• Prepare a script or list of interview questions to be used for the recording.
• Rehearse the script and time yourself to determine how long it would take to complete the recording process.
• Send the list of interview questions to the interviewee, before the day of the recording, so that they can also prepare for the interview. Indicate how long you intend to record the interview session so that the interviewee can structure their answers with time in mind.
• Select an ideal location for the recording to minimize on distortions and interruptions. The quality of the recording is affected by the environment where the recording is taking place. Indoor locations can be better controlled during a recording. Make sure to, kindly; ask for consideration from parties around the recording area, to turn off any audio interrupters such as cell phones, computers and televisions.
• On the actual recording day; walk the interviewee, or any party involved in the recording, through the entire process. Not everyone is familiar with the requirements of an audio / video recording and it is therefore important to let them know what is expected from them. Warm them up before commencing the actual recording process.
• If possible record the podcast in bits. Pause when switching to different topics or questions to give the interviewee time to collect their chain of thoughts. Mistakes should not be taken as a set back, simply pause and run through the section again. Try and maintain a conversational tone, which will in turn steer the interviewee to provide flowing and conversational answers, which is ideal for podcasts.
• Monitor the recording process, using headphones, to make sure that you are capturing the desired audio. Get an audio engineer to record the session; if you can afford it.

For more info on Podcast transcription, call 773-800-2973.