How do you feel when you open WhatsApp and see that your latest message isn’t a text but a voice note?! They’re the marmite of communication, but when time is of the essence and typing messages back and forth just won’t cut it, a voice note can be the perfect solution for getting a message across. There’s a real generational divide when it comes to their usage though, with under 24s using them regularly to communicate with friends, whereas older generations are much less enthusiastic – only 5% of Boomers admit to using them. With this in mind, it makes sense that the next step to level the playing field is the introduction of a voice note transcriber feature…
The evolving world of WhatsApp voice notes
The way we’re communicating via technology has changed significantly… think back to calls made from landlines with rotary phones and fixed cords to where we are now with smartphones that are incredibly powerful handheld computers and you can see just how far we’ve come.
We’ve gone beyond voice calls and texts to voice notes, where you can listen to the dulcet tones of the other person without having to speak to them directly.
Voice notes have a whole host of benefits – instead of having to be present and responsive in a phone call, you can access a voice note when and where you choose, but still retain an element of personality by being able to hear the person’s voice. It also means you can hear the tone and emotion within the message – elements that can be completely misconstrued when using plain text. Step aside voicemail… voice notes are so in right now!
Striking the voice note balance
The point to make is that voice notes aren’t good or bad, per se. When we send them and how long they are makes all the difference – there’s an etiquette to them that could see you in voice note heaven or hell if you don’t abide by the unwritten rules.
- When – this is the same for any type of communication so that you aren’t antisocial.
- How long – this one is a particular bugbear… nobody wants a voice note that goes on and on for 10 minutes! We’d suggest thinking of your voice note in terms of Instagram reels or TikTok videos. They both have limited lengths because the platforms understand that there are limits to the concentration levels of users. If you exercise best practice with voice notes you’ll keep them short and sweet to minimise annoying the recipient.
The bottom line is to be sensible. I always bear in mind that unless it’s urgent, if I wouldn’t call that person at this time, then I’ll wait until a more suitable time to send that voice note.
Why bother with voice notes transcription?
Inclusivity is one way to look at it. If you know that Nana won’t really get to grips with listening to a voice note, let alone being able to record one, transcription will take care of it. Equally when a work colleague is at their desk and isn’t able to listen to the voice note, transcription will take care of it.
WhatsApp says that the voice notes transcription feature will only be available to the sender and the recipient as the transcription will be performed locally on the device – this is in line with WhatsApp’s encryption policy to maintain privacy for its users.
For transcription services that extend way beyond WhatsApp, please call us on 01737 852 225 or email alex@fionashipley.com.