How to Transcribe a Speech – The Best Methods Explained
How to transcribe a speech
From keynote speeches and business presentations to public addresses and academic talks, there are many situations where transcribing a speech is valuable. Whether you're a journalist covering a press event, a student capturing study material, or a professional documenting a conference, a transcript makes spoken content more accessible, searchable, and easy to reference.
In this guide we'll explore the key benefits of speech transcription, compare different transcription methods, and show you how to transcribe a speech quickly and easily using Transcribe.
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Why transcribe a speech?
To enhance accessibility and inclusivity
Transcribing a speech makes information available to everyone, especially those who are deaf or hard of hearing. It also helps people who prefer reading over listening, especially in multilingual settings, and is useful in situations where playing audio isn't practical - such as noisy spaces or public transport.
Learn more about how to make content accessible.
For record-keeping and documentation
A written transcript serves as a valuable record for reference, legal purposes, or archiving. Whether it's a business presentation, a keynote speech, or an academic lecture, having a transcript ensures nothing gets lost or misinterpreted.
For content repurposing (for articles, blogs, or social media)
A transcript turns a speech into a valuable resource for blogs, articles, or social media posts. It makes finding key quotes quick and easy, helping to create engaging content while keeping messaging accurate and consistent across different platforms.
To boost SEO
Adding transcripts to speeches in video or podcast format makes them more discoverable online. Search engines can't 'listen' to audio, but they can read text - so a transcript helps improve rankings, making it easier for people to find your content.
Three ways to transcribe a speech
1. Manual transcription
If you have plenty of time and patience, you could transcribe the speech yourself by listening back and typing it out. But be warned - manual transcription is far more time-consuming than you might expect, especially for longer speeches.
Explore our guide to manual transcription for top tips.
2. Human transcription services
Professional transcription services use real people to transcribe audio, promising the highest accuracy. However, human transcription is both slow and expensive, with costs ranging from $45-$90 per hour of audio. You may also have to wait days - or even weeks - for your transcript, which isn't ideal if you need a quick turnaround.
3. Automatic transcription services
For a fast, affordable, and efficient solution, automatic transcription is the way to go. AI-powered services like Transcribe can convert speech into text in minutes - if not seconds - delivering high-quality transcripts at a fraction of the cost of human services.
With Transcribe, you also get a host of extra benefits, including support for over 120 languages, multiple import and export formats, cloud storage, and professional support when you need it. It's the easiest way to get accurate transcripts, fast.
How to transcribe a speech with Transcribe
1. Download the Transcribe app or launch the online editor
2. Upload your recorded speech
You can import audio files from any app or cloud storage system, including Google Drive and Dropbox.
3. Choose your language
Select the language of the speech from more than 120 languages and dialects.
4. Start the transcription process
Your speech transcript will be ready in a matter of minutes thanks to our speedy AI software. Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, put your feet up, and we'll send you a notification when your transcription is complete.
5. Your transcription is ready!
You can edit the transcript in the app, online, or in your preferred file format. With our standard version you can export your transcribed speech to TXT, or upgrade to our PRO service to export to PDF, DOCX, SRT, or JPG.
Four tips for accurate speech transcription
Here are some top tips to improve transcription accuracy:
Record high-quality audio
The clearer the audio recording, the more accurate the transcript. And while you can't always control the environment at a live speech, you can improve audio quality by using a high-quality microphone, positioning it as close to the speaker as possible, and testing the setup beforehand. If possible, use a recorder with noise-reduction features to minimize background interference.
Use reliable transcription software
Choosing the right transcription tool can make a huge difference in speed and accuracy. AI-powered services like Transcribe generate transcripts quickly while supporting multiple formats and languages - helping you get a clear, structured transcript in minutes.
Use timestamps for reference points
Adding timestamps at key moments makes it easier to navigate the transcript, especially for longer speeches. This is particularly useful for reviewing specific sections, aligning the transcript with video or audio playback, or summarizing key takeaways.
Proofread and make corrections manually
Even with the best software, reviewing the transcript is essential. Listen back to the audio, correct any misinterpretations, and format the text for clarity. This final step ensures your transcript is polished, professional, and ready to use.
Check out our guide on how to edit a transcript for more guidance.
Speech transcription FAQs
How long does it take to transcribe a speech?
For a professional, transcribing an hour of audio takes around four hours - so if you're planning on doing it manually, be prepared for a time-intensive process. With Transcribe, you can get a full transcript in minutes - sometimes even seconds - saving you hours of work.
Can I transcribe a speech for free?
You can manually transcribe a speech for free, but the real cost is your time!
With Transcribe, your first 30 minutes of transcription time are completely free, so if your speech is short, this could cover it entirely. After that, you can purchase additional credit for just $5 per hour, or save with 10 hours for $30. Need regular transcriptions? Our PRO plan includes five hours of transcription time per month for just $8.33/month (billed annually).
How do I add timestamps to a transcript?
With Transcribe, timestamps are automatically included. When exporting your transcript, you can choose whether to keep or remove them, depending on your needs.
What's the best file format for saving a transcript?
The best file format depends on how you plan to use the transcript. A TXT or DOCX file is best for editing or making changes later, PDF is ideal for official documentation, and SRT is the go-to file format for subtitles and captions.
Ready to transcribe a speech?
Download the Transcribe app or launch the online editor to get started.