TRANSCRIPTION
• Verbatim (word for word)
This type of transcription is especially useful in meetings that have legal implications or may be used in court proceedings. Here is an example of verbatim transcription:
Mr. Walters: After a thorough evaluation of the engineer’s report, our department has concluded that the height of the dam needs to be raised.
Mr. Jones: So are you saying that the dam height might need to be raised in order to meet current demand or future demand? I’m not sure what your time frame is here, Bob.
Ms. Allen: The original study said this could wait 10 years or so, but you stated at our last meeting that you had already budgeted for these improvements in FY 23-24.
• Detailed Summary/Near Verbatim
Detailed summary transcription is essentially a “play by play” of a meeting that includes summary descriptions of what was said, with attributions to each speaker. Here is an example of detailed summary transcription:
Mr. Walters said that his department had evaluated the engineer’s report and concluded that the dam height would need to be raised.
Mr. Jones asked him whether that needed to be done to meet current demand or to meet future demand, adding that he was not certain of Mr. Walters’ time frame.
Ms. Allen noted that Mr. Jones had stated previously that the dam improvements were already in his department’s FY23-24 budget.
• Sketch Summary
This type of transcription is useful when your goal is meeting the minimum requirements for documentation. Some public bodies not responsible for decisions that will be codified, such as advisory groups or ad hoc committees, find this approach to be satisfactory to meet their needs. Here is an example of sketch summary transcription:
Mr. Walters and Ms. Allen asked Mr. Jones about the time frame needed for raising the dam, with it noted that the improvements were already in the FY23-24 budget.
We are happy to accommodate any special formatting or transcription requirements. If you are unsure about the level of detail you may need in your minutes, you may wish to consider what the end use might be and/or check with your counsel regarding any documentation requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act for your specific entity.
OTHER SERVICES
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I can help you turn documents such as transcripts and raw data blocks into cohesive, fluid reports that are easy for target audiences or the general public to read and interpret. I can edit existing reports and manuscripts to improve their presentation or to establish consistency in tone with other documents.
Services can be customized to suit your specific organizational goals.