newbie question about MS Word

[kaydville]

Hi, I'm wondering if general transcription is an option for me and would like to know how much of MS Word do you typically use? By that I mean, do you typically just use general formatting commands? Do you do much with headers and footnotes? I use MS Word but have generally used it for article writing and there's really not a lot of formatting involved. So, I'm trying to figure out what I need to study to make myself competitive. I hope that's clear.

Thanks for your help

Kay

[Itsjusmeli]

When I first started in transcription six years ago, I had no idea how to use MS Word, and I still don't know as much as I probably should. Most companies have their own template, so you generally don't have to worry with formatting much. I bought a couple of books on Word and learned as I went. Still am.

[kaydville]

Yay! That makes me happy very happy. Can you recommend a good book?

Thanks!

[JoetteB]

Personally, I wouldn't spend money on a book. There are lots of free tutorials for each version of Word available for free online. Just Google it.

[dancers45]

I have WordPerfect, but have never used it. I bought it just in case. Second the thought that most clients will have their templates pre-formatted for you.

Very important, though, learn how AutoCorrect works in Word. It took me nearly two years to figure out I could type [r] and get revenue or [ce] and get capital expenditures, [comp] gets me compensation, [auto] gets automatically, [pfe] gets performance, [covon] gets conversation, [cofon] gets confrontation, [coon] gets construction, and so on. How you set up your AC code is up to you, but once you figure that out, you'll save yourself many, many keystrokes.

[kaydville]

Thank you JoetteB and Dancers45! I'll start checking out auto-correct right away. Is there a system for setting up a good code system?

[PolythenePam]

You need to set up a system that works for you. It does you no good to have AutoCorrect entries that you can't remember. Your fingers should sort of automatically type the shortcuts you have saved. If they don't, make new ones.

[kaydville]

That makes sense. It's like making up a whole new language-- kinda of intimidating. Hope I don't end up talking/typing gibberish <grin>

[pawp11]

kaydville, the first thing I suggest with autocorrect is to add texting words. IDK becomes I don't know, yk is you know, YKWIM, lk, omg, and so on. Those are my beginner corrects. Don't add too many at one time. You won't remember them if you don't practice them. I add one or two a day.

Everyone has a different method though. I like to use the words I type the most and create something unique. I do a lot of math lectures. I have fx set up as fraction, fxs/fractions, mtn/multiplication, et cetera. You will figure it out. It just takes time and developing a "pattern." There are several good plans out there for adding autocorrect entries. Do a Google search and look until you find something that makes sense to you or develop your own.

And you will also use it for its original purpose to correct teh errars nomral poeple meak all teh tiem. (You have no idea how much time "teh" being quickly corrected will save you!) If I notice I make an error regularly and there is only one suggestion for the correct word, I will almost always add an autocorrect. You can always delete it if you find it was a bad choice. For example, I set up LL to correct to [laughter]. Well, I didn't think about "we'll" becoming "we'[laughter]" until it happened.

It sounds confusing until you start doing it.

And I agree with the others. Most places will send you some sort of template. Having a reasonable working knowledge of Word is enough for most places.

Wow, I was wordy tonight! Good luck to you!

[dancers45]

Originally Posted by pawp11

If I notice I make an error regularly and there is only one suggestion for the correct word, I will almost always add an autocorrect.

This is an excellent point and something I look at as well, which is why relly hasn't gone into my AC list as really. There are five suggestions to fix this typo.

I use [1], [2], [3] for autocorrects that are unique to the job I'm working on, so say I have a job where Johannesburg keeps coming up, I'll set that up as [1]. That way that entry isn't sitting in the list never to be used again.

It's just all about how your brain works and what makes sense to you.