What’s the Difference Between Full Verbatim and Intelligent Verbatim?

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Transcription services play a vital role in converting audio or video content into written form for various purposes such as research, legal proceedings, media production, and more. When it comes to transcription, there are two primary methods used: full verbatim and intelligent verbatim. Each approach has its own unique characteristics and uses, making it essential to understand the differences between them to choose the right one for your specific needs. In this blog post, we will delve into the distinctions between full verbatim and intelligent verbatim transcripts, exploring their applications, advantages, and limitations.

Full Verbatim

Also known as strict verbatim or true verbatim, involves transcribing audio or video content word-for-word, including every utterance, filler words, false starts, stutters, and background noises. Essentially, it captures the spoken content in its entirety without any omissions or alterations.

Here are some key characteristics and advantages of full verbatim transcripts:

  • Word-for-Word Accuracy: Full verbatim transcripts provide an exact representation of what was said, maintaining the integrity of the original content.
  • Inclusions of Non-Verbal Sounds: Sounds like laughter, coughing, and background noise are transcribed as they occur, giving a complete context of the recording.
  • Use Cases: Full verbatim transcripts are commonly used in legal proceedings, academic research, and linguistic analysis, where every detail of speech is critical for interpretation and analysis. This is especially true in legal proceedings, where every word and sound has the potential to be legally significant, making full verbatim transcripts crucial for evidence.

Limitations of full verbatim Transcripts:

  • Readability: Due to the inclusion of filler words and non-verbal sounds, full verbatim transcripts can be challenging to read and may not flow smoothly.
  • Cost: The process of creating full verbatim transcripts can be time-consuming due to the need for meticulous attention to detail, therefore these will cost more than Intelligent Verbatim transcripts.

Intelligent Verbatim

On the other hand, intelligent verbatim involves omitting filler words and non-verbal sounds, while still capturing the essence of the content. It involves editing out unnecessary repetition, false starts, and other elements that do not contribute to the meaning of the content.

Here are some key characteristics and advantages of intelligent verbatim transcripts:

  • Omission of Fillers: Filler words such as “uh,” “um,” and repetitive phrases are removed to improve readability and flow, making it easier to comprehend.
  • Cost: As the transcriber doesn’t have to include every single “uh,” “um,” “like,” and so on, it is usually faster to type intelligent verbatim transcripts compared to full verbatim, therefore they are a more cost-effective choice.
  • Use Cases: Intelligent verbatim is often used in business, media, or market research settings where the focus is on conveying the meaning and essence of the content, rather than providing a precise record of every word and sound.

Limitations of intelligent verbatim transcripts:

  • Not Suitable for Every Situation: While it improves readability, intelligent verbatim transcripts may sacrifice some context, which can be problematic in certain situations, such as legal proceedings or linguistic analysis.

Conclusion

In summary, the main difference between full verbatim and intelligent verbatim is the level of detail included in the transcript. Full verbatim includes every word and sound, while intelligent verbatim focuses on conveying the meaning and essence of the content while omitting unnecessary elements making the reading experience flow better. Making the decision between full verbatim and intelligent verbatim transcription will depend on your specific needs and goals. Consider the nature of your content, the intended audience, and the importance of context when making your decision. Learn more about the different types of templates here.

If you’re struggling to decide which format you need, then speak to McGowan Transcriptions on 0800 158 3747 or email office@mcgowantranscriptions.co.uk and let us help to determine what type of transcript suits your needs.