Internet video calls have been around for a long time, and one of the first, and certainly the most used, platform was Skype. Then technology took giant steps forward and Skype seemed lost in the background. For a long time, in order to be able to record a Skype call you had to download and use another programme, (called Pamela), but no longer. Skype now has recording as an integrated feature.
This makes Skype a good tool to use for video conferences and meetings. You press ‘Start Recording’, (located in the ‘more options’ menu), and everyone in that meeting is informed that you are recording.
Once you end the recording it remains available for 30 days, or you can save it as a download with a quick click, (again in the ‘more options’ menu).
Skype recording is not limited to audio, it also captures video, screen sharing, PowerPoint shows, instant messaging, whiteboard action and more; everything that happens during your conference in other words.
Video meetings are not the same as face to face gatherings; you cannot see body language for example, voice tones and inflections are less clear, and gestures will probably be totally invisible. All these things help us understand better what is being said, even while we might not be aware of this. That is one of the reasons why recording these sessions is a good idea, so participants can go back over the material to take in things they may have missed the first time, as well as verify any doubts they have about what was said.
An actual recording is a useful tool, but a transcribed recording is an invaluable tool. It provides all the information in an easily accessible and searchable format. It is ready for archiving in files; sending to other members who were absent during the meeting; the press; and anyone you think needs to know the content.
There are four alternatives for getting this done;
You can go down the automated transcription road, (Skype doesn’t offer this, you need to find third party apps), but what is the point? It will not be accurate, that is a given. It may be close, but even so, how do you tell which parts are right and which aren’t? Also this software doesn’t do ‘nuance and tone’, so you are getting a ‘dead’ copy without the essence that makes such a difference.
You can get a staff member to transcribe this, but it is a long process, and again, unless they have training and experience they may miss important points. A silence or pause can speak louder than words. It ties up your workforce too, so they are not available to do other work.
Pay a private, person to transcribe it, (cheaply), but really you are better with an automated service as this tends to be more accurate.
Get an experienced professional to do the job. We at London Transcription offer great rates, confidentiality, accuracy, speed and much more. Give us a call for a quote, you may be surprised how well this works for you.
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