How to Transcribe Audio to Text in Microsoft Word

Kevin Stratvert
28 Aug 202009:46

TLDRIn this informative video, Kevin introduces a new feature in Word Online called 'Transcribe'. Unlike traditional dictation, which converts speech to text in real-time, Transcribe allows users to upload pre-recorded audio files for transcription. The feature is particularly useful for transcribing interviews or lectures and can identify multiple speakers within the audio. However, it's currently only available in Word Online and requires a premium Microsoft 365 subscription. To use Transcribe, one must log into Word Online, navigate to the 'Home' tab, and select the 'Transcribe' option from the dropdown menu next to 'Dictate'. The feature supports MP3 and WAV files and is set to expand to other languages after its English release. Kevin demonstrates how to upload an audio file, edit speaker names, and incorporate the transcribed text into a Word document. He also highlights the ability to record directly within Word Online, providing a seamless way to combine note-taking with audio recording during events like lectures. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to share their thoughts and suggest future topics.

Takeaways

  • 📝 **Transcribe Feature in Word Online**: Microsoft Word online now has a new feature that allows transcribing pre-recorded audio to text.
  • 🎙️ **Distinguish from Dictation**: Unlike real-time dictation, transcribe works with audio files recorded in advance, such as from an interview or lecture.
  • 💡 **Premium Account Requirement**: To use the transcribe feature, you need a premium Microsoft 365 subscription, which may be available through work or school.
  • 💻 **Word Online Access**: The feature is currently only available in Word online and will be coming to the desktop app soon.
  • 📂 **Uploading Audio Files**: You can upload audio files in standard formats like MP3 or WAV for transcription.
  • 🗣️ **Speaker Identification**: The transcribe feature can identify and label different speakers within the audio file.
  • 🔄 **Edit Transcripts**: If there are errors in the transcription, you can easily edit the text to correct them.
  • ⏯️ **Playback Controls**: The transcribed audio comes with playback controls to listen to the audio and match it with the text.
  • 🔄 **Adjustable Speed**: Users can adjust the speed of the audio playback to listen faster or slower.
  • 📁 **OneDrive Integration**: Transcribed audio files and their text are saved to OneDrive, providing a history and record of the transcribed content.
  • 📋 **Add to Document**: You can either insert a snippet of the transcribed text or the entire transcription into your Word document.
  • 🔊 **Live Recording Option**: Besides uploading, you can also start recording directly in Word online and then transcribe the recording.

Q & A

  • What is the main difference between the 'dictate' and 'transcribe' features in Microsoft Word?

    -The 'dictate' feature allows you to speak in real time and have your speech converted into text immediately, while the 'transcribe' feature lets you upload a pre-recorded audio file and have it transcribed into text.

  • Is the 'transcribe' feature available in Microsoft Word for desktop?

    -As of the time of the video, the 'transcribe' feature is only available in Word online. However, it is expected to come to the desktop app soon.

  • What type of account is required to use the 'transcribe' feature in Word online?

    -A premium Microsoft 365 account is needed to use the 'transcribe' feature. If you have a consumer account, you must have a subscription to access this feature.

  • Can you identify different speakers in an audio file using the 'transcribe' feature?

    -Yes, the 'transcribe' feature can identify different speakers in an audio file and label their contributions accordingly.

  • What types of audio files are supported for transcription in Word online?

    -The supported audio file types for transcription in Word online include standard formats such as MP3 and WAV.

  • Is the 'transcribe' feature available in languages other than English?

    -At the time of the video, the 'transcribe' feature is only available in English, but it is expected to support other languages soon.

  • How can you access Word online to use the 'transcribe' feature?

    -You can access Word online by going to the website office.com, signing in, and then clicking on the Word option to reach the Word start page.

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

    -After the audio file is transcribed, a copy is also uploaded to OneDrive, providing a record of the audio file that was transcribed.

  • Can you edit the transcription if there are any errors?

    -Yes, you can edit the transcription by clicking on the edit icon next to the speaker's name or the timestamp, and make corrections to the text as needed.

  • How does the 'start recording' option in the 'transcribe' feature differ from 'dictate'?

    -The 'start recording' option allows you to record audio directly within Word online and continue working on your document simultaneously, whereas 'dictate' requires you to speak while it converts your speech to text in real time.

  • What is the benefit of using the 'transcribe' feature for interviews or lectures?

    -The 'transcribe' feature simplifies the process of converting interviews or lectures into text, making it quicker to scan through and review the content.

  • How are the transcribed files organized in OneDrive?

    -Word online creates a new folder in your OneDrive called 'transcribed files', where it stores MP3s or WAVs for all the files that you record or upload for transcription.

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 into text. Unlike real-time dictation, transcribe works with recorded audio and can identify multiple speakers in the conversation. However, it's currently only available in Word Online and requires a premium Microsoft 365 subscription. Users can access Word Online through office.com, and the feature is found under the 'dictate' option in the home tab. The video demonstrates how to upload an audio file, transcribe it, and edit the resulting text.

05:06

🎤 Editing and Using Transcribed Content

The video continues with a demonstration of how to edit the names of speakers identified in the transcribed text and how to use the playback controls to navigate the audio. Kevin also shows how to correct any errors in the transcription and how to add selected parts or the entire transcription to the Word document. Additionally, he explains the 'start recording' option, which allows recording directly within Word Online while simultaneously working on the document. The feature automatically saves and transcribes the recording, and all transcribed files are organized in a 'transcribed files' folder in OneDrive.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Transcribe

Transcribe refers to the process of converting spoken language into written form. In the context of the video, Microsoft Word's online version has introduced a new feature that allows users to upload pre-recorded audio files and receive a transcription of the spoken content. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to convert interviews, lectures, or any other recorded conversations into text without the need for real-time dictation.

💡Word Online

Word Online is the web-based version of Microsoft Word, part of the Microsoft Office suite. It allows users to create, edit, and share documents over the internet without the need for the desktop application. In the video, Word Online is used to demonstrate the new transcribe feature, emphasizing its accessibility and convenience for users who may not always have access to the desktop version.

💡Dictation

Dictation is the process of speaking aloud to convert speech into text in real-time. While the video mentions that dictation has been available in various applications for some time, it distinguishes this feature from transcribe by noting that dictation requires the user to speak while the application is actively listening and converting speech to text.

💡Premium Microsoft 365 Account

A premium Microsoft 365 account is a type of subscription to Microsoft's suite of office tools that offers additional features and services beyond the basic package. In the video, it is mentioned that to use the transcribe feature in Word Online, a premium Microsoft 365 account is required, indicating that this particular functionality is reserved for users who have subscribed to a paid plan.

💡Audio File

An audio file is a digital file that contains a recording of sound. In the context of the video, audio files are used as the source material for the transcribe feature. Users can upload MP3 or WAV files that contain recorded conversations or speeches, which Word Online then converts into a text transcript.

💡OneDrive

OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage service where users can upload, access, and share files from various devices. In the video, it is mentioned that when a user transcribes an audio file in Word Online, a copy of the audio file is also uploaded to OneDrive, providing a record of the audio associated with the transcribed document.

💡Speaker Identification

Speaker identification is the process of recognizing and distinguishing between different speakers in an audio recording. The video highlights that the transcribe feature in Word Online can identify different speakers during the transcription process, which is particularly useful for transcripts of interviews or panel discussions where multiple people are speaking.

💡Edit Transcript

Editing a transcript involves reviewing and making corrections to the text generated from the transcribe feature to ensure accuracy. The video demonstrates how users can edit the transcribed text directly within Word Online, including correcting any errors and adjusting the speaker labels for clarity.

💡Start Recording

Start recording is an option within the transcribe feature that allows users to begin capturing audio directly within Word Online. Unlike dictation, which requires real-time conversion, this feature allows users to record audio and then transcribe it later, providing flexibility for users who may want to record and document lectures or meetings without immediate transcription.

💡Transcribed Files

Transcribed files refer to the audio files that have been converted into text using the transcribe feature. The video explains that Word Online creates a new folder in OneDrive called 'Transcribed Files' to store and organize the MP3 or WAV files that have been transcribed, making it easy for users to manage their audio and text documents.

💡Real-Time Conversion

Real-time conversion is the process of immediately translating one form of data into another, in this case, speech into text, as it occurs. The video contrasts real-time conversion with the transcribe feature, which does not require immediate speech but instead works with pre-recorded audio, offering users more flexibility in when and how they convert spoken content to text.

Highlights

Microsoft Word online introduces a new feature called 'transcribe'.

Transcribe allows users to upload pre-recorded audio files for transcription into text.

This feature is distinct from 'dictate', which converts speech to text in real-time.

The transcribe feature can identify and differentiate between multiple speakers in an audio file.

It is currently only available in Word online and requires a premium Microsoft 365 account.

To use transcribe, log into Word online via office.com and select the 'transcribe' option from the 'dictate' menu.

Supported audio file formats include MP3 and WAV, with transcriptions currently only available in English.

Transcribed audio files are uploaded to OneDrive, providing a record of the original audio.

Users can edit the transcription text directly within Word online for accuracy.

Transcriptions are grouped by speaker and timestamps allow users to listen to specific parts of the audio.

Transcribed text can be easily added to a Word document in snippets or in its entirety.

The 'start recording' option allows users to record directly within Word online and transcribe the recording.

Recordings made or uploaded through Word online are saved in a 'transcribed files' folder in OneDrive.

The transcribe feature simplifies converting interviews or lectures into text documents.

The transcription process is efficient and allows for quick scanning of discussed content.

The feature is expected to be useful for those looking to transcribe audio recordings.

Viewer feedback is encouraged to help shape future content and feature development.

The video provides a comprehensive guide on how to use the transcribe feature in Word online.

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