For efficient and accurate transcriptions, here are some considerations. Some are more important if you will type the transcription instead of transcribing with the Auto TranscriptionAI feature.
"Transcribe verbatim" is a typical goal. But, team members must agree on expectations and clearly state them so Transcribers and Editors know what to do in situations like these (not exhaustive):
Words or phrases are heard that are not clearly understood.
Utterances are heard that may not be actual words.
Unexpected pauses exist between some words or phrases.
When to use quote marks.
Paragraph breaks entered in Audio Project Manager are removed when uploaded to Paratext. They are kept when Copy to Clipboard is used. So the team can have multiple paragraphs or not. Paragraphs may make the review easier.
The location should be quiet and free from distraction, whether audible or visual.
The keyboard should be one that the transcriber is comfortable using and be positioned for safety and comfort.
Use the highest quality speakers or headphones that are available.
The foot pedal (recommended) should be in a position that it is easy and comfortable to use.
The speed of the audio playback should attempt to match the rate that the transcriber can type accurately.
If it is too fast, proofreading and review could be complicated by unnecessary typos.
The shortcut keys should be ones the transcriber can press easily.
A foot pedal is recommended so the Transcribers' or Editors' hands never need to leave the keyboard. Keyboard shortcuts are enabled and customizable, but users typically realize benefits with a foot pedal.
Audio Project Manager was tested with the Infinity IN-USB-2 version 14 foot pedal. This pedal and many others are available from various sites such as Amazon or TVPS. Use Pedable Foot Pedal Software to customize your foot pedal to match the keyboard shortcuts for the Play/Pause, Rewind and Fast Forward buttons.
In a left-to-right user interface language, the left pedal should be rewind, the middle pedal play/pause, and the right pedal is fast forward.
Many sites on the Internet discuss transcription. Here are two samples:
https://transcribathon.com/en/tutorial/how-to-transcribe/
https://transcribe.wreally.com/guide/how-to-transcribe-efficiently-using-foot-pedal/