Speech 2 Screen​

The ENT can provide the service in several ways:

-  2 laptops, wirelessly or cable linked, using specialist software or Microsoft Word

-  1 laptop (for you) and a wireless keyboard for the operator

-  1 laptop - you read from it while sitting adjacent to the operator

-  1 laptop for the operator linked to a big screen for multiple users

-  1 laptop for the operator (for BSL support notes or Minutes)

Usually comfort breaks are included in assignments.  More breaks may be needed or output adjusted, to maintain quality of output text. Sometimes these can be taken when the client participates in groupwork or exercises and doesn't need the ENT.

Notetakers are continually processing language to convert it to text; there are often long periods watching the screen or in a fixed typing position; there is a long term risk of repetitive strain injury. For these reasons, regular breaks are needed.

Minimum booking period: two hours.  Breaks of over 2 hrs may indicate a new accounting period of work.

Comfort breaks and lunchtimes are included in the booking period.  Travel time: this may be charged if lengthy. (See booking form).

The ENT provides support  in real time for clients; if the client is more than half an hour late for the booking without contacting the ENT, the assignment can be invoiced in full and the notetaker can leave. (See terms and conditions).

Where assignments involve constant informative speech, or are lengthy and complex, you may need 2 co-working ENTs who take it in turns to work intensely for 15-30 minutes.  Pre-booking discussion between client and notetaker may be needed.

Whatever system is used, the operator will need access to electric sockets for the equipment at some point.  Early access to rooms is often needed to locate the sockets, set up the equipment, assess sight lines, consider health & safety aspects and minimize the hazards of wires trailing along the floor, then to cover or tape them down.  Use of batteries alone affects the brightness and text clarity of the laptop screen. 

The wireless network may be compromised by wireless networks elsewhere in the building, so time is needed to check the operating system and make alternative arrangements if needed.

An ENT needs to know if the service will be needed during groupwork. Often clients are happy to work alone in small groups enabling the ENT to edit her work or take a break.

If your ENT is aware in advance of the topic, she can familiarise herself with acronyms and repeated words that are time consuming to type, like ‘psychotherapeutic’.  These can be converted, using the software, so that a few letters typed are shown in full text on the screen, saving time and increasing output.

Where possible a secretarial chair that lifts up and a table, should be available.  Where not possible, I work with what is available, in lecture theatres, for instance.  If I know the location issues I can bring my own mini portable table.

Let me know if you prefer me to sit at a distance from you and your colleagues.

What output style do you prefer?

- As verbatim as possible

- Main information for revision, including feedback, chat topics, questions and answers, minimal repetition

- Your own contributions to be noted?  Do you need a voiceover?

- Groupwork notes – needed?

- Summaries for Minutes, or revision

- Brief notes of main points

- Font colour and size preference

- Background colour preference

Space is left in the typed text for insertion of drawings, graphs, equations etc. Agreement is reached before the assignment, about who will do these, as spoken information may be lost and not recorded if the speaker is talking while one is copying down information.

Sometimes these are shown with subtitles or a transcription is provided.  If not, an ENT will provide near verbatim speech to screen text. It is helpful to know in advance if film is being shown to avoid the lights being turned off completely.

Where 2 laptops using specialist software are used, there is a facility for clients to send typed messages to the notetaker, and to make their own notes on their screen.  Where this is not available, a request for a voiceover of handwritten text is welcome.

Often facilitators, lecturers and other speakers are not aware that notetakers are non-participants; they also worry that they are speaking too fast.  A brief word of explanation of my role ensures they are comfortable.

During introductions, sometimes notetakers are asked to introduce themselves. I can give my name, my role and non participation information, or this can be provided by the client, or I can be ignored. Prior agreement will resolve this issue if it arises.

Notetakers are bound by the Code of Ethics of their associations to maintain confidentiality. Notes of comments speakers do not want recorded are typed for you to read, giving you equal access, then can be immediately deleted.

In sensitive assignments, the text can be saved directly onto a USB memory stick and not saved onto the hard disc of the laptop. Or they can deleted from the laptop and the recycle bin while the client is present.

Audio recordings can be transcribed.

If you choose to keep a copy of your notes, you can take an unedited version immediately when you provide a USB memory stick. Alternatively, a copy can be emailed to you when you provide an email address.