Recording Tips for Interviews and Focus Groups
A good quality recording makes a real difference to the finished transcript. Clear audio helps our transcribers distinguish between speakers, follow the conversation and produce an accurate, readable transcript.
We understand that recording conditions aren't always perfect, particularly when research involves multiple participants, different locations or online interviews. However, a few simple steps before and during your recording can help you get the best possible results.
Here are some practical tips from the PageSix team.
1. Your Recording Environment
A quiet environment and clear speech will make a considerable difference to the quality of your recording.
Whenever possible, choose a quiet room with minimal background noise.
Close windows and doors to reduce external noise such as traffic, building work and conversations from neighbouring rooms.
S the recording device somewhere stable where it won't be knocked or moved during the conversation.
Try to minimise interruptions, and pause the discussion if a significant noise occurs, such as a fire alarm or loud disturbance.
2. Recording Equipment and Microphone Placement
You don't need expensive recording equipment to achieve good results. A suitable digital voice recorder or good-quality external microphone can produce excellent audio when used correctly.
Test your equipment and make a short test recording and listen back to check that all speakers can be heard clearly.
Position the microphone as close as practical to the participants, rather than placing it at the far end of a large table.
For interviews, make sure both the interviewer and interviewee can be heard clearly.
For larger meetings or focus groups, consider using additional microphones.
Check that your device has sufficient battery power and storage space for the entire session
3. Focus Groups and Multi-Speaker Meetings
Focus groups can be particularly challenging to transcribe because participants often interrupt one another, speak simultaneously or contribute from different positions around the room.
A few simple measures can help:
At the beginning of the recording, ask each participant to introduce themselves clearly.
If you need individual speakers identified throughout the transcript, consider asking participants to state their names before speaking, particularly in larger groups.
Position microphones so that everyone can be heard as clearly as possible.
Encourage participants to avoid talking over one another where practical.
If several people begin speaking at once, the moderator can gently bring the discussion back to one speaker at a time.
We appreciate that lively group discussions are not always easy to manage! However, even small improvements in turn-taking can make a significant difference to the finished transcript.
4. Online Interviews and Remote Meetings
Online interviews and research meetings using platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom are now commonplace. Telephone interviews are also widely used, but recording quality can vary depending on the equipment and connection.
Where possible:
Encourage participants to use a headset or external microphone rather than relying on their computer's built-in microphone.
Ask participants to join from a quiet location with minimal background noise.
Check recording settings before the meeting begins.
Make sure internet or telephone connections are stable.
Make a short test recording and listen back to check that everyone can be heard clearly.
For telephone interviews, use an appropriate recording method that captures both sides of the conversation clearly.
Remember that when participants join from different locations, each person's microphone and surroundings can affect the overall recording.
5. Checking Your Recordings Before Uploading
Before uploading your recordings to PageSix, check that the files play correctly and that the audio is clear throughout.
We can accept recordings in all common audio and video formats, so there's no need to convert your files before sending them.
Make sure the complete recording has been saved and no sections are missing.
Check that all speakers can be heard, particularly in group discussions.
Send any relevant speaker details, transcription instructions or project-specific requirements alongside your files.
6. Consent and Participant Information
Remember to follow your university's ethical approval requirements and research procedures when recording participants.
Make sure participants understand that the discussion is being recorded, how the recording will be used and who will have access to it. Obtain and document consent in accordance with your approved research procedures.
If your project requires particular anonymisation or transcription conventions, let us know when placing your order so that we can follow your instructions.
Already recorded your interview?
Don't worry if your recording isn't perfect. PageSix works with a wide range of recording conditions. If you're unsure whether your audio is suitable for transcription, get in touch and we'll be happy to advise.