How to Transcribe Audio to Text in Word

Kevin Stratvert
16 May 202308:37

TLDRIn this tutorial, Kevin demonstrates how to transcribe audio to text in Microsoft Word using the 'Transcribe' feature. With a Microsoft 365 subscription, users can upload audio files, record directly in Word, and convert speech to text. The process supports over 80 languages and allows editing of transcripts, including speaker names and timestamps. The transcribed text can be integrated into Word documents, and recordings are saved in OneDrive for backup. The video also mentions using Whisper AI for free transcriptions with high accuracy.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Microsoft Word allows you to transcribe audio to text directly within the application.
  • 🎧 You can upload an existing audio file or record directly in Word for transcription.
  • ✏️ The transcription feature supports over 80 different languages, making it versatile for various users.
  • 🔧 Users can edit the text, modify speaker names, and customize the transcript's appearance.
  • 💾 A Microsoft 365 subscription is required to use the transcription feature in Word.
  • 🔗 The transcription pane provides options to upload audio or video files and start recording within Word.
  • 📝 After recording, the audio is uploaded to OneDrive and then transcribed, with the transcript appearing in Word.
  • 🎥 The playback controls in Word allow you to adjust the playback speed and synchronize the text with the audio.
  • 📑 You can edit the transcript directly in Word, including changing speaker labels and correcting text.
  • 🔗 The transcribed text can be added to the Word document in various formats, including just text or with timestamps and speaker labels.
  • 🌐 The transcription feature is also available in other Microsoft 365 apps and on Word on the Web.

Q & A

  • What is the main feature discussed in the video by Kevin?

    -The main feature discussed is the ability to transcribe audio to text within Microsoft Word, including uploading existing audio files, recording directly in Word, and editing the transcript.

  • What subscription is required to use the transcription feature in Microsoft Word?

    -A Microsoft 365 subscription is required to use the transcription feature in Microsoft Word.

  • How can you differentiate between multiple speakers in a transcription in Microsoft Word?

    -You can modify the speaker names within the transcribe pane to differentiate between multiple speakers.

  • What is the maximum playback speed you can set for the audio while reviewing the transcript in Word?

    -The maximum playback speed you can set is 2X.

  • How can you add a specific section of the transcript to the Word document?

    -You can add a specific section of the transcript to the document by clicking on the plus icon when hovering over the text.

  • What are the different formats supported for audio transcription in Microsoft Word?

    -The supported formats include MP4, and Word can pull out the audio from a video file for transcription.

  • How can you synchronize the text with the audio while reviewing the transcript in Word?

    -The text automatically highlights as it plays, allowing you to synchronize the text with the audio.

  • What is the process to start a new transcription in Microsoft Word after an existing one is completed?

    -To start a new transcription, you can click on 'new transcription' in the transcribe pane, but note that this will delete the existing transcription on the right-hand side.

  • Can you access the transcription feature in other Microsoft 365 apps besides Word?

    -Yes, the transcription feature is also available in OneDrive and works with Word on the Web.

  • What alternative tool is mentioned in the video for generating transcripts without a Microsoft 365 subscription?

    -Whisper AI is mentioned as an alternative tool for generating transcripts without needing a Microsoft 365 subscription.

  • How can you edit the text within the transcript in Microsoft Word?

    -You can edit the text by clicking on the pen icon, allowing you to make changes such as correcting speaker names or fixing URLs.

Outlines

00:00

🎙️ Converting Audio to Text in Microsoft Word

Kevin introduces a feature in Microsoft Word that allows users to convert audio to text. This can be done by uploading an existing audio file or recording directly within Word. The transcript can be customized, including editing speaker names and the appearance of the transcript. A Microsoft 365 subscription is required for this feature. The video demonstrates how to access the 'dictate' and 'transcribe' options from the 'voice' category on the home tab. 'Dictate' provides a real-time transcript, while 'transcribe' is used for converting pre-recorded audio. The process of transcribing audio, including selecting the language, uploading audio or video files, and starting a recording within Word, is explained. Additionally, the video shows how to save and transcribe the audio, resulting in a detailed transcript with speaker names and timestamps.

05:06

📄 Editing and Incorporating Transcripts in Word

The video continues with Kevin demonstrating how to edit the transcript within Word. He shows how to add the transcript to the document with various options like including only text, text with speakers, timestamps, or both. The video also covers how to edit the speaker's name and correct any errors in the transcript. There's a feature to add specific sections of the transcript to the document. The video concludes with information on how to access the recording and transcript from OneDrive and the transcribe pane in Word. It also mentions that similar functionality is available in other Microsoft 365 apps and Word on the Web. Lastly, Kevin suggests an alternative free tool called Whisper AI for generating transcripts without a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Transcribe

Transcribe refers to the process of converting spoken language into written text. In the context of the video, it is the main action performed within Microsoft Word, allowing users to upload audio files or record directly within the application and have the spoken words converted into a written format. This feature is particularly useful for creating transcripts of lectures, interviews, or any audio content, as demonstrated by the speaker when they record a promotional message for the Kevin Cookie Company.

💡Microsoft 365 subscription

A Microsoft 365 subscription is a service provided by Microsoft that gives users access to a suite of applications and services, including Microsoft Word. The video mentions that to use the transcription feature in Word, one must have an active Microsoft 365 subscription. This subscription model allows for regular updates and access to new features, such as the transcription tool discussed in the video.

💡Dictate

Dictate is a feature within Microsoft Word that allows for real-time transcription of spoken words as the user speaks. Unlike 'transcribe,' which is used for converting pre-recorded audio, 'dictate' is for live speech-to-text conversion. The video script differentiates between 'dictate' and 'transcribe,' highlighting the real-time aspect of the former as opposed to the post-recording processing of the latter.

💡OneDrive

OneDrive is a cloud storage service offered by Microsoft, which allows users to upload, store, and access files from any device with an internet connection. In the video, the transcription feature in Word uploads the audio file to OneDrive for processing, and the resulting transcript is also stored there, providing a backup and easy access to the transcribed content.

💡Timestamp

A timestamp in the context of the video refers to the time coding associated with specific parts of the audio transcript. This feature allows users to quickly navigate to particular moments in the audio by clicking on the timestamp in the transcript. This is showcased when the speaker demonstrates how to jump to a specific section of the recorded audio by clicking on the corresponding timestamp.

💡Playback controls

Playback controls are the tools used to manage the playing of audio or video content. In the video, the speaker mentions playback controls that appear when a transcript is played back in Word. These controls allow the user to play, pause, and adjust the speed of the audio, which is particularly helpful for reviewing long recordings.

💡Speaker

In the context of the video, a speaker refers to the person whose voice is being transcribed. The transcription feature in Word allows users to edit and specify the name of the speaker, which helps in differentiating between multiple speakers in a conversation or interview. The video script shows an example where the speaker changes 'speaker one' to 'Kevin' to personalize the transcript.

💡Edit transcript

Editing a transcript involves making changes to the written text that has been converted from audio. The video demonstrates how users can edit the text of a transcript within Word, including correcting speaker names, fixing errors, and adjusting the content to ensure accuracy. This is important for creating a polished and accurate written record of spoken content.

💡Transcribed files

Transcribed files are the audio or video files that have been converted into written text using the transcription feature in Word. The video script mentions that Word automatically creates a folder in OneDrive called 'transcribed files' where these transcriptions are stored, providing a centralized location for all transcribed content.

💡Whisper AI

Whisper AI is mentioned as an alternative tool for generating transcripts without the need for a Microsoft 365 subscription. It is described as a free option with high accuracy, although it may not offer the same user-friendly interface or speaker differentiation as the transcription feature in Word. The video suggests that viewers explore Whisper AI for their transcription needs if they do not have access to Microsoft Word.

Highlights

Microsoft Word can convert audio to text with a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Upload existing audio files or record directly in Word for transcription.

Modify speaker names and edit the text of the transcript.

Choose from over 80 different languages for transcription.

Transcribe supports audio and video file formats like MP4 for audio extraction.

Use the 'transcribe' feature to convert recorded audio into a transcript.

Pause and resume audio recording within Word for flexibility.

Transcripts are saved to OneDrive for backup and easy access.

Adjust playback speed to review long recordings efficiently.

Synchronize text with audio playback for accurate reference.

Edit the transcript directly within Word to correct or personalize it.

Differentiate between multiple speakers in the transcript.

Add specific sections of the transcript to the Word document.

Choose how much information to include when adding the transcript to the document.

Link to the original recording is provided for reference.

Transcribe feature is also available in OneDrive and Word on the Web.

Whisper AI is an alternative for free transcription without Microsoft 365.

Create Stunning AI Art Instantly

No login. No cost. Just incredible AI images !

Create Stunning AI Art InstantlyGenerate Now