Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Speech-to-Text

Several companies providing transcription platforms and services claim that their speech-to-text program can reach up to 99 percent accuracy. According to industry insiders, the best speech-to-text program right now is a hybrid. A hybrid speech-to-text platform combines technology with the excellent skills of human transcriptionists. When the program is deployed, the transcriptionists act as editors and proofreaders to ensure that viewers can see the correct transcript of the video presentation or live speeches.

Speech-to-text used to be called ''computer-aided transcription" before it became "real-time captioning." Today, people refer to the service as either speech-to-text or communication access real-time translation or CART services.

CART services provide instant translation of the spoken word. The service, delivered remotely or onsite, uses human typing on a stenotype machine, real time software, and projection screen. As more people and organizations use transcription services for various projects, the demand for accurate CART services increases exponentially.

Increasing the accuracy of speech to text

Various factors can affect the quality of live speeches and recorded audio. Thus, you may find several errors in the transcription. During live events, the transcriber may encounter unfamiliar words or phrases, resulting in errors in the transcription. In addition, there could be ambient sounds that affect the quality of the audio.

The same is true with recorded audio materials. For example, a few people may be talking simultaneously, or some background noise was included in the recording.

If you are doing the recording, you can do some things to ensure higher accuracy in the speech-to-text transcription.

Quality of the recording environment

For example, if you are interviewing, ensure that you choose a not too busy place. Some people prefer the appeal of a coffee shop so they can relax and feel comfortable. However, coffee shops are known to be full of background noise. If you cannot interview in an office or home, find the best location that will not be too busy at certain times of the day.

Position the microphone close enough to record your conversation without too much interference. Since the interviewee knows that you are recording the interview, encourage them to speak clearly into the device you are using. Keep in mind that you need to capture the voice of the interviewee first.

Ask people to talk one at a time

If you are interviewing two people, tell your interviewees to talk one at a time, so there will be no overtalk (two or more voices speaking simultaneously). Instead, ask short and precise questions, and ask one person to elaborate when you need a longer explanation. Give them equal chances to express their thoughts, but ask them to speak individually for clarity.

Another thing that you will contend with is a strong or regional accent. Speech-to-text software is not yet trained to understand accents, so it will help if you learn more about the people you are going to interview. If they are from other countries and may have strong accents when speaking English, taking notes may help. You can edit the transcription and increase its accuracy by knowing what the speakers are saying.