Clean or Full Verbatim Transcription?

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Clean or Full Verbatim Transcription?

Clean is the default transcription style used by Oasis Podcast for transcribing and Clean when editing podcast audio files unless Full Verbatim is requested. We’ll examine both styles in this post.

Let’s start with Clean Transcription and what it involves:

1. Clean Verbatim by Default:
This method involves transcribing spoken words in a way that ensures clarity and readability.
It involves:
A - Removing Filler Words:
Words like "um," "uh," "you know," "like," and other similar fillers are omitted to create a smoother reading experience.
B - Correcting Grammar:
Grammatical errors are corrected to ensure the transcription reads well and maintains professionalism.
C - Excluding Repetitions: Unnecessary repetitions of words or phrases are removed to avoid redundancy. Polishing Language: Colloquial language and informal speech patterns are refined to enhance the overall quality of the transcription.
This style is ideal for creating a polished, easy-to-read transcript that retains the original meaning and intent of the speakers without the distractions of verbal tics and informal speech.
Example:
Speaker: "Um, so, I was, like, thinking about, uh, going, uh, having a podcast edited at um, Podcast Editing Oasis, you know, to get some, uh, podcast edited."
Clean Verbatim: "I was thinking about having Podcast Editing Oasis edit some podcast."
2. Full Verbatim Text:
Full Verbatim transcription, on the other hand, captures every single detail of the spoken words exactly as they are uttered.
This includes:
All Filler Words:
Every "um," "uh," "like," and similar fillers are included.
A - False Starts: Incomplete sentences and corrections made by the speaker are transcribed verbatim.
B - Repetitions: Any repeated words or phrases are retained.
C - Non-Verbal Sounds: Sounds such as laughter, sighs, and other audible reactions are noted.
D - Stuttering and Stammering: Any stutters or stammers in the speech are accurately transcribed.
This style is useful when a precise and exact record of the conversation is required, such as for legal purposes or detailed linguistic analysis.
Example:

Speaker:
"Um, so, I was, like, thinking about, uh, going, uh, having a podcast edited at um, Podcast Editing Oasis, you know, to get some, uh, podcast edited.."
Full Verbatim:
"Um, so, I was, like, thinking about, uh, going, uh, having a podcast edited at um, Podcast Editing Oasis, you know, to get some, uh, podcast edited."

Choosing between Clean Verbatim and Full Verbatim transcription styles depends on the purpose of your transcription and how you plan to use it. We’ll help you make the best choice.

Let’s explore which option might be the best fit for various scenarios:

1 - Clean Verbatim: The Polished, Reader-Friendly Option
Best for:
A - Podcast Show Notes:
If you want your listeners to quickly skim through the main points without distractions, Clean Verbatim is ideal. It's concise and easy to read.
B - Blog Posts:
When converting podcast content into blog articles, Clean Verbatim ensures the text is engaging and professional.
C - Marketing Materials:
Promotional content derived from podcasts, such as quotes or summaries, benefits from the clarity of Clean Verbatim.
D - General Readability:
Any scenario where the transcription will be read by a wide audience who are not necessarily interested in every single detail of the spoken words.
Advantages:
A - Easier to Read:
Without fillers and verbal tics, the transcription flows better.
B - Professional Appearance:
Corrected grammar and polished language enhance credibility.
C - Efficiency:
Readers can quickly grasp the main points without wading through unnecessary details.
Drawbacks:
A - Less Detail:
Important nuances or specific word choices that may be relevant for certain contexts could be lost.
2 - Full Verbatim: The Detailed, Exact Record
Best for:
A - Legal and Compliance Needs:
Full Verbatim ensures every word and sound is captured, which is crucial for legal documentation and compliance. Linguistic Analysis: If analyzing speech patterns, language use, or communication styles, Full Verbatim provides all the necessary details.

B - Research:
When conducting qualitative research or interviews, Full Verbatim offers an exact record of what was said, including all verbal cues.
C - Critical Reviews:
For in-depth critiques or content where understanding the speaker's exact words, pauses, and inflections are important.
Advantages:
A - Comprehensive:
Captures every spoken word, ensuring nothing is missed.
B - Authenticity:
Provides an authentic record of the conversation, including all verbal nuances.
C - Detail-Oriented:
Essential for contexts where every detail matters, such as legal settings or detailed analyses.
Drawbacks:
A - Harder to Read:
The inclusion of fillers, stammers, and other verbal tics can make the transcription cumbersome.
B - Less Professional Appearance:
The rawness of the transcription might appear less polished.
C - Time-Consuming:
Readers may need to spend more time to extract the main points due to the presence of all verbal details.
Choosing the Right Option:
Consider Your Audience:
If your audience values clarity and ease of reading, Clean Verbatim is likely the best choice.
If your audience needs a detailed, unfiltered account of the conversation, Full Verbatim is more appropriate.
Purpose of the Transcription:
For marketing, content creation, and general readability, Clean Verbatim is superior.
For legal, research, and detailed analysis purposes, Full Verbatim is necessary.
Your Preference:
Think about your personal preference and what you find most valuable in the transcription. Would you rather have a polished, easily digestible transcript, or do you need every single detail captured?

Final Recommendation:

For most podcast-related needs—especially those involving marketing, show notes, or blog posts—Clean Verbatim is the better choice due to its readability and professional appearance. However, if you have specific needs that require detailed accuracy, such as legal documentation or linguistic analysis, Full Verbatim would be the way to go.
By understanding your goals and audience, you can make an informed decision on which transcription style will best serve your needs.

Two Main Tools / Services for Podcast Transcription

Manual Podcast Transcription Services:

These are services where human transcribers convert audio to text.

Examples include:
Rev, TranscribeMe, and Scribie.

Automated Transcription Software: These use AI to transcribe audio quickly.

Examples include: Otter.ai, Descript, and Sonix.

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