Transcript Typist
Transcript typists produce word-for-word transcripts of the spoken word in both live and recorded form for parliament, courts of law, medical purposes, television programs, business conferences and lectures.
Transcript typists may perform the following tasks:
- operate and monitor sound recording equipment
- list the speakers in court proceedings and log major events
- record proceedings from digital audio recordings using a computer or stenotype machine
- use computer-aided transcription (CAT) which translates the shorthand recorded by the stenotype machine onto a computer screen enabling transcription in real-time
- produce captions for television programs
- research terminology used
- edit the transcript for syntax and grammar
- read back portions of notes or replay a recording on request.
Sound recording involves three stages: first, monitors record the proceedings using a digital audio recording system; then transcript typists transcribe the digital audio file onto computer; and finally transcript checkers edit hard copy of the transcript for accuracy against the audio.
Audio typists producing transcripts from an audio recording need a minimum typing speed of 75 words per minute. Stenograph reporters producing transcripts in real time need a shorthand speed of at least 200 words per minute.
Specialisations:
Captioner
A captioner reproduces the spoken word and environmental sounds as captions (also known as subtitles) for television programming using a QWERTY keyboard. Captioners may produce captions for programming that is recorded prior to airing or work with stenocaptioners to produce captions in real time for live programming.
Court Recorder
A court recorder records the proceedings at various courts of law (the Family, Civil, Criminal, Arbitration and Industrial Courts) or at Royal Commissions, enquiries and public hearings. Sound is recorded and log notes of the main events are taken.
Hansard Reporter
A Hansard reporter records the debates and daily proceedings in the chambers of state, territory and federal parliaments, and in their committees and ministerial conferences.
Real-time Reporter (Computer Assisted Real-Time)
A real-time reporter (computer assisted real-time) provides a word-to-text service for the deaf and hearing-impaired, usually in a meeting or university lecture environment. These words are projected onto a laptop or onto a larger screen via a data projector. Real-Time is also used in the courts, Hansard and business environments to provide instantaneous translation.
Stenocaptioner
A stenocaptioner records the spoken word, environmental sounds (e.g. laughter) and song lyrics in real time for television programming using a stenotype machine. The transcription (in captions) then becomes part of the television broadcast.
Court recorders usually work during court hours. Hansard (parliament) reporters work long, irregular hours.
Stenocaptioners and captioners work shifts to cover television programming, usually at the originating television station's premises. Real-Time (CART) reporters work in different locations, for example, a courtroom, university campus, boardroom or conference.
Personal Requirements:
- good hearing and concentration
- fast and accurate machine shorthand and/or keyboard skills
- able to work under pressure
- wide vocabulary, and sound knowledge of spelling, grammar and punctuation
- broad general knowledge, particularly in current affairs and politics
- interested in parliament and courts and their procedures
- comfortable with new technology.
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