Dictation services give you the best option when it comes to outsourcing
your work, and they make you more productive. Sure you know that the
person at the other end can’t read your lips or mind, this is why you
need to take care of certain issues to get the best result. After all,
you are the one paying for the service and you need things done
efficiently without errors.
Spell out unfamiliar words.
You may know what you’re talking about but the person at the dictation
service may not. This is why you must spell out every unfamiliar names
or words. You should also make use of the “A for apple” technique to
confirm the letter you’re spelling and prevent any confusion.
Eliminate noise
It might not be a problem for you to dictate in the middle of a football
match, but the person at the other end may confuse your dictation with
soccer fans noise. Eliminate any background noise when you’re dictating
no matter how small.
Dictate like you’re talking.
You can get the best out of dictation services by talking to the
operator like you’re talking to the person you know. Use a generic name
like “operator” to describe the person at the other end.
Take it easy
Slow down your pace even if you are a natural fast talker, to allow the
operator some space to catch up with you. Don’t assume they are
professionals and so they should be able to adjust. There is no way they
are going to deliver a good job when you have jammed all the words
together.
Make your speaking clear.
Speak directly to the microphone and avoid doing other things like
cooking, breastfeeding, shuffling through paperwork or typing on your
computer. Give your full attention to the dictation and enunciate your
words.
Provide editing instructions
Once you’re through with your dictation, provide specific editing and
formatting instructions to the transcription personnel. Tell the person
exactly what you want, margins, underline, centralizations and/or
capital letters.