Tips for creating accessible audio recordings

• Offer a text-based script or some other form of presentation that does not exclude visitors who are unable to hear the recording.
• Remember to speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
• Ideally carry out test recordings before recording a podcast, for example. Poor placement of microphones and distracting background noises can make it difficult to follow the audio.

Transcription using Word

There are a number of tools for transcribing audio files into text. One of these is Microsoft Word. Word has a built-in and easy-to-use transcription feature. This is how it works:

Start by opening Word and creating a new document. If transcription is not available in your version of Word, try Word Online.

Word Online - portal.office.com

1. Click on the arrow to the right of the Dictate button (next to the microphone icon).
2. Select Transcribe.
3. Make sure the correct language is selected, then click Upload Audio, select the audio file you wish to transcribe and click Open. The transcription will now start automatically. When complete, it will appear in the right-hand column. You can now listen to the audio file using the player to the right and correct any errors in the column below.
4. At the bottom of the right-hand column is a button with the words Add to document. Next, select the version that suits you. (Tip: bring speakers. This makes it possible to replace the respective speakers with participants later in the document.)
5. The transcript will now be displayed in the document.

The document usually needs some post-editing, but you now have a basis upon which to build.