Interview transcripts that save hours

A good interview is a conversation, and you cannot hold a conversation while typing. Record it, ask permission first, and keep your eyes on the person in front of you.

Clear audio is half of a good transcript. Put the phone close to the speaker, pick a quiet room and avoid tables that carry vibration. Say the guest name and the date at the start so the file is easy to find later.

Use the transcript to find quotes. Search for a keyword, jump to the timestamp and listen once more before you publish, so the words and the tone are right.

Summaries help you see themes across interviews. Ask the notes which topics came up in more than one conversation and which points people disagreed on.

Store raw recordings and the final notes separately, and delete what you no longer need. Respecting the privacy of the people you interview builds trust for the next one.