Importance of Focus in Taking Down Dictations

Whether if you are writing down or typing in dictations, it is imperative that you give focus on what you are doing. It takes a couple of skills meshed together to be able to do it accurately and effectively. You should have good listening skills since you should not miss a single word especially if you are required to achieve 100% accuracy. You should have a wide vocabulary so that you'll know what you actually hear.

You also should think on what the context is especially if it's confusing (i.e. the voice is fast or if there's heavy accent regardless of what language the person is using) so that you'll know off hand that you know you took down what they are actually saying. You'll know right off the bat that you wrote it or typed it correctly if it makes sense. And of course, your writing or typing skills should be fast and accurate. You also have to look at what you're doing to see that you took it down correctly. However, even if you excel in all of those skills, it would be almost useless if you don't focus on what you're doing.

Concentrate and focus on the energy you're giving to the skills that you need when taking down dictations. All of those skills should go hand in hand since you'll be using them at the same time while you're transcribing information. You listen; think of what you heard, and then taking them down all at the same time.

It sounds difficult but if you put your attention to what you're doing, it will be a lot easier and the result will be extremely satisfactory. Look at it this way. If you listen actively, you'll understand what you hear and you'll be able to type it faster and yes, more accurately.

Of course, there are external factors that could shift your focus to something else. Let's say another person disturbs you. Loud noises will hamper your productivity as well. Although these are quite understandable since they are usually beyond your control. You can move to a quieter place if you'd like to and if you can.

What about those things that you can control? If you're thinking too much about something else, the idea of what you heard might get garbled and you could miss out on something. Don't talk while you're taking down dictations. It is unnecessary unless it is required that you speak or record your voice. Don't look around too much. You have to concentrate and look at your work. You can make a mistake anytime.

So as you can see, relying on one skill alone will most likely lead you to failure. But if you focus on what you're doing, you'll be able to effectively use your skills together and ultimately complete your work as fast and as accurately as possible.