Audio vs Video:
To clarify and fine-tune your preferences between AUDIO and VIDEO transcripts, please see the Preference Sheet.
However, below is my general approach to them unless directed otherwise. Just let me know if your preferences differ.
AUDIO
For audio transcripts, I will assume readability is the highest priority. Unless spoken intentionally rather than stuttered, I will not include repeated words, repeated phrases, partial words and attorney's casual "Okay" after the witness has answered. However, if the reporter wrote "Okay," I will keep it. I will also keep "All right" each time.
VIDEO
For video transcripts, I try to match the verbiage with the video as well as possible. Unless otherwise instructed, I will include all repeated words (up to three times), all repeated phrases, and I'll include attorney's "Okay" after the witness has answered. Unless otherwise instructed, I will not include partial words.
EXAMPLE OF A 5-DAY TURNAROUND
I keep a schedule of all the work I receive so that I don't overbook myself. Before accepting your transcript, if I see that I can't accommodate the 5-day turnaround time you've requested, I'll suggest an alternate date. If it's acceptable to you, we'll use it as the due date and we'll use the 5-day turnaround charge. (Note that I do work weekends.)
Don't worry, I'll include a small summary of the due date and pricing when I accept your job, just to make sure we are both absolutely clear.
Job Production:
Feel free to send me your transcript (zipped, with audio file synced to the transcript) using the file-sharing system of your choice.
If there are spots where the audio is challenging and I can't confirm what's being said, I'll leave scanstops (F8) to bring it to your attention. I'll also leave a Hidden Comment/Push-Pin if I need to leave a note.
If you use Auto Indexing, no worries. Once I have your template, I can usually follow a sample.
Please click this link to my Preference Sheet. Once you've answered a few questions and you've sent me a searchable pdf sample of one of your transcripts, we'll be good to go. (One that includes multiple attorneys, Q&A interruptions and Exhibit quotes are most helpful.)
Job Completion:
Unless I'm told otherwise, I'll follow these protocols when completing the job:
* Email the completed job to you, zipped, without the audio file.
* Return the finished file with the original file name, followed by my initials, JS, so that it's clear you have the scoped file.
For the first few jobs, I appreciate payment upon receipt of the invoice. After we've established a working relationship, I'll email you invoices twice a month. Any form of electronic transfer is fine, such as Google Pay, Zelle Pay and Paypal.
FOR THE WORDSMITHS
A WORD ABOUT "LIKE"
Without a doubt, language evolves, otherwise we'd still be talking like Shakespeare. A recent evolution is the use of the word "like." We've all used it, but do we know exactly what it means?
In court reporting, the correct punctuation around this word may or may not be crucial to a case, but it appears often enough that we might as well understand it. I've found that, more times than not, "like" is used in these informal ways.
Reinforcing:
"It was, like, her!"
Meaning "You may think it wasn't, but it was her!"
"You mean, like, our vendors?"
Meaning "You didn't mean something else? You actually meant our venders?"
"You mean like our vendors?"
Meaning "You mean someone similar to our vendors?"
Reducing discomfort:
"This is, like, the only way."
Meaning "I'm sorry to make you uncomfortable, but..."
"You mean, like, now?"
(A way to sound less confrontational.)
Quotation:
"She was, like, 'Ouch!'"
Filler, in place of "um" or "uh":
"Like, we just -- like, we went to the, like, beach."
THE OXFORD COMMA
So far, in my four and a half years of scoping, I'd say more reporters prefer NOT to use the Oxford comma. After all, in the sentence "John, Mark and Mary," the word "and" replaces the final comma.
However, there have been court cases hinging on the lack of an Oxford comma. To simplify, imagine that Grandpa left an evenly distributed will for "John, Mark and Mary." John can insist that he should receive one half, and that "Mark and Mary" receive the other half between the two of them. If there had been an Oxford comma, there would have been no doubt that the will should be distributed evenly between the three of them.
Using the Oxford comma is efficient and thorough, and my first instinct is to use it. On the other hand, a court transcript is not where that decision is made. It's impossible for a reporter to discern whether the speaker intended an Oxford comma or not. That's a matter for the lawyers.
Each reporter has a preference, hence my Preference Sheet as a reminder.
DEAR JOHN LETTER
Two identically-worded letters
with different punctuation, from Vappingo.
Dear John,
I want a man who knows what love is. All about you are generous, kind, thoughtful people who are not like you. Admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me. For other men, I yearn. For you, I have no feelings whatsoever. When we’re apart, I can be forever happy. Will you let me be?
Yours,
Jane
Dear John:
I want a man who knows what love is all about. You are generous, kind, thoughtful. People who are not like you admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me for other men. I yearn for you. I have no feelings whatsoever when we’re apart. I can be forever happy–will you let me be yours?
Jane