An audio typist is a specialist who converts spoken dictation into professionally formatted written documents.
While the role may sound straightforward, a skilled audio typist does far more than simply type what they hear.
For property professionals and chartered surveyors, an experienced audio typist plays a key role in producing accurate, structured and client-ready reports.
An audio typist listens to recorded dictation and types it into a clear, formatted document.
This typically includes:
The process involves listening through headphones while controlling audio playback using a foot pedal, allowing for continuous and efficient typing.
Professional audio typists use specialist transcription software and equipment.
The setup usually includes:
This allows the typist to maintain a steady flow of dictation while typing accurately and efficiently. It is a skill that takes time to develop and refine.
An experienced audio typist does not just type words. They understand context, terminology and meaning. This is particularly important in the property industry, where technical language must be accurate.
A professional audio typist can work significantly faster than someone typing their own documents. This allows reports and documents to be produced quickly without compromising quality.
Audio typists ensure documents are:
This removes the need for additional formatting later.
By outsourcing audio typing, professionals can focus on inspections, clients and fee-earning work instead of administrative tasks. If you are currently typing your own reports, it is worth considering whether that time could be better spent. See our article on fee earner or typist for a practical breakdown.
Speech-to-text technology is often seen as an alternative, but it works differently.
Speech-to-text:
A professional audio typist:
For client-facing documents, accuracy and presentation are critical.
Not all audio typists are the same.
A typist with experience in the property sector will:
This reduces errors and improves turnaround time.
At BackupTyping, our team has extensive experience working within the property industry, allowing us to produce high-quality documents without the need for explanation or correction.
A typical workflow looks like this:
This process removes the need for any property professional to type, format or rework documents.
For a broader overview of how this works, read our guide to audio transcription for chartered surveyors.
An audio typist is not just someone who types.
They are a skilled professional who:
For property professionals, this can significantly improve efficiency and reduce administrative workload.
We are a team who are always here – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – ready and waiting to provide you with the efficient service you need when you need it.
BackupTyping provides a fast, accurate and experienced transcription for property professionals - saving you time and money. Call us on 020 7096 1663 to find out how we can help you.
