How to Transcribe Audio to Text in Microsoft Word

Kevin Stratvert
28 Aug 202009:46

TLDRIn this tutorial, Kevin introduces the new transcribe feature in Microsoft Word Online, which allows users to convert pre-recorded audio files into text. This is different from dictation, as it works with recorded audio, making it ideal for transcribing interviews or lectures. The feature can identify multiple speakers and is currently available in English, with more languages coming soon. It requires a premium Microsoft 365 subscription and is set to be added to the desktop app. The video demonstrates how to upload audio files, start recording within Word, and edit the transcriptions for accuracy.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Microsoft Word Online now offers a transcription feature in addition to dictation.
  • 🎧 The transcription feature allows users to upload pre-recorded audio files for conversion to text.
  • 🗣️ It can identify and differentiate between multiple speakers in an audio recording.
  • 💡 This feature is currently only available in Word Online and requires a premium Microsoft 365 subscription.
  • 💻 The transcription feature is not yet available in the Word desktop application but is coming soon.
  • 🌐 To access the transcription feature, users need to log into Word Online via office.com.
  • 📂 Audio files can be uploaded in standard formats like MP3 or WAV, and the transcription is saved to OneDrive.
  • 🔍 Users can edit the names of speakers and correct any errors in the transcription.
  • 📝 Transcribed text can be easily inserted into a Word document, either as snippets or the entire transcript.
  • 🔊 There's an option to start an audio recording directly within Word Online, which can then be transcribed.
  • 📁 Word Online creates a 'Transcribed Files' folder in OneDrive to store all transcribed audio files.

Q & A

  • What is the main difference between dictation and transcription in Microsoft Word?

    -Dictation converts spoken words into text in real-time, while transcription allows you to upload a pre-recorded audio file and convert it into text.

  • Is the transcription feature available in all versions of Microsoft Word?

    -The transcription feature is currently available in Word online and will be coming to the desktop app soon.

  • What type of account is required to use the transcription feature in Microsoft Word?

    -A premium Microsoft 365 account is needed to use the transcription feature. This includes accounts through work or school, or a consumer subscription.

  • Can you use the transcription feature in Microsoft Word for languages other than English?

    -At the time of the video, the transcription feature is only available in English, but support for other languages is coming soon.

  • How do you access the transcription feature in Word online?

    -To access transcription, log into Word online, open a document, go to the Home tab, and find the 'dictate' option in the ribbon. There, you'll see a dropdown menu with the 'transcribe' option.

  • What types of audio files can be uploaded for transcription in Microsoft Word?

    -You can upload standard audio files such as MP3 or WAV formats for transcription.

  • Does Microsoft Word's transcription feature identify different speakers in an audio file?

    -Yes, the transcription feature can identify and differentiate between multiple speakers in an audio file.

  • Can you edit the transcription text in Microsoft Word if it contains errors?

    -Yes, you can edit the transcription text directly within Word online to correct any errors.

  • How does the 'start recording' option in the transcription feature differ from dictation?

    -The 'start recording' option allows you to record audio directly in Word online, and you can continue working on your document while recording, unlike dictation which is real-time.

  • What happens to the audio file after it is transcribed in Microsoft Word?

    -After transcription, a copy of the audio file is uploaded to OneDrive, where you can access it for future reference.

  • Can you add the transcribed text directly into a Word document?

    -Yes, you can add individual sections or the entire transcription to your Word document for further use.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Introduction to Word Online's Transcribe Feature

Kevin introduces a new feature in Word Online called 'transcribe', which allows users to upload pre-recorded audio files for transcription. This is different from 'dictation', which converts speech to text in real-time. The transcribe feature is currently only available in Word Online and requires a premium Microsoft 365 account. It can identify multiple speakers in an audio file, making it useful for transcribing interviews or lectures. The feature is set to be rolled out to the desktop app soon and is currently available only in English, with more languages to follow.

05:06

🎙️ Demonstrating the Transcribe Feature in Word Online

Kevin demonstrates how to use the transcribe feature in Word Online by uploading an audio file and showing the transcription process. He explains that the feature groups the transcription by speakers and allows users to edit speaker labels for clarity. The transcription can be played back with timestamped controls, and any errors in the transcription can be manually corrected. Users can add snippets or the entire transcription to their Word document. Additionally, Kevin shows the 'start recording' option, which allows recording directly within Word Online and then transcribing the recording. The feature also creates a 'transcribed files' folder in OneDrive to store all transcribed audio files.

Mindmap

Keywords

Transcribe

Transcribe refers to the process of converting spoken language into written form. In the context of the video, this feature in Microsoft Word allows users to upload pre-recorded audio files and have the software generate a written transcript. This is showcased when Kevin demonstrates how to upload an audio file and receive a transcription, identifying it as a powerful tool for those who conduct interviews or attend lectures, wanting to convert the spoken word into text.

Dictate

Dictate is the act of speaking aloud for the purpose of having one's words transcribed into text in real-time. The video distinguishes between dictation and transcription by showing how dictation in Word online allows users to speak and see their words appear as text instantly, as opposed to transcribing pre-recorded audio.

Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service from Microsoft that includes a suite of applications and services, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. The video mentions that a premium Microsoft 365 account is required to use the transcribe feature in Word online, highlighting the need for a subscription to access advanced functionalities.

Word Online

Word Online is the web-based version of Microsoft Word, part of the Office 365 suite. It allows users to create, edit, and share documents using a web browser without the need for the desktop application. The video script describes how to access and use Word Online to leverage the transcribe feature.

OneDrive

OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage service that allows users to store files and access them from any device. In the video, Kevin mentions that when an audio file is transcribed in Word online, a copy of the file is also uploaded to OneDrive, providing a backup and easy access to the audio files.

Audio File

An audio file is a digital file that contains audio content, such as music, podcasts, or recorded conversations. The video script explains how to upload audio files into Word online for transcription, emphasizing the utility of this feature for converting audio content into written text.

Transcribe Feature

The transcribe feature in Word online is the main focus of the video. It is described as a tool that can take pre-recorded audio and convert it into a written transcript, identifying different speakers within the audio. This feature is shown to be particularly useful for organizing and reviewing spoken content.

Speaker Identification

Speaker identification within the transcribe feature refers to the ability of the software to distinguish between different speakers in an audio file. The video demonstrates how Word online can label sections of the transcript with speaker identifiers, which can be edited for clarity, aiding in the organization of multi-speaker conversations.

Edit Transcript

Editing a transcript in the video means making corrections or adjustments to the written text generated by the transcribe feature. Kevin shows how to edit the transcript in Word online to fix any errors made during the transcription process, ensuring the accuracy of the text.

Add to Document

Adding to the document in the context of the video means incorporating the transcribed text into a Word document. The script explains how users can select parts of the transcript or add the entire transcription to their document, providing flexibility in how the transcribed content is used.

Highlights

Introduction to the new transcription feature in Microsoft Word online.

Transcription versus dictation: Pre-recorded audio transcription vs. real-time speech to text.

Requirements for using the transcription feature: Word online and a premium Microsoft 365 account.

Step-by-step guide to access Word online and start a new document.

Locating the 'Transcribe' option within the 'Dictate' menu in Word's Home tab.

Demonstration of the difference between 'Dictate' and 'Transcribe' functionalities.

Uploading pre-recorded audio files for transcription in Word online.

The ability to transcribe multiple speakers within an audio file.

Editing speaker labels for clarity in the transcription.

Using timestamps to navigate and play specific parts of the audio.

Manual correction of transcription errors directly in the Word document.

Incorporating transcribed text snippets or the entire transcript into the Word document.

The 'Start Recording' option for real-time audio transcription within Word online.

Continuing to work on the Word document while recording audio.

Automatic creation of a 'Transcribed Files' folder in OneDrive for storing audio and transcriptions.

Invitation for feedback and suggestions for future video content.