If you’re looking to become a closed captioner, there are several key skills you’ll need to master. Closed captioning is the process of adding text to a video to provide a written version of the audio content, making it accessible to those who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those who may have difficulty understanding the audio.
Here are the five essential skills every closed captioner needs to master:
Familiarity with Captioning Software
Closed captioning software is essential for creating accurate, high-quality captions. As a closed captioner, you’ll need to be familiar with the software you’re using to ensure you can work efficiently and effectively. You should also be comfortable troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise.
Excellent Typing Skills
Captioning requires fast and accurate typing skills. You’ll need to be able to keep up with the pace of the audio while typing quickly and accurately. A typing speed of at least 70 words per minute is recommended for closed captioners.
Strong Language Skills
As a closed captioner, you’ll need to have a strong command of the language you’re working in. This includes proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. You should also be familiar with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, as these can be difficult to caption accurately.
Knowledge of Accessibility Requirements
Closed captioning is an essential tool for making video content accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. As a closed captioner, you’ll need to be familiar with the accessibility requirements in your region or country. This includes understanding the various captioning standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Attention to Detail
Finally, closed captioning requires a high level of attention to detail. To succeed in this field, one must be able to quickly catch and correct errors, and ensure that captions are synchronized with the audio. Closed captions must accurately reflect the spoken dialogue in the video content, and even minor errors or omissions can significantly impact the viewing experience. A skilled closed captioner must pay close attention to details such as punctuation, spelling, and grammar, ensuring that the captions are error-free and of the highest quality.
Closed captioning is a vital service that ensures accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. If you’re in need of closed captioning services, CaptionLabs is here to help. We have a team of experienced captioners who possess the essential skills necessary to create accurate, high-quality captions. Request a quote from us today to learn more about how we can help make your video content more accessible to all.
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Jake is our Vice President and oversees our day-to-day operations. Jake thrives on solving our customer’s problems - if you’re stuck at a roadblock, he’s the one you need to call. As a jack-of-all-trades, you never know what you will find Jake doing on the weekends! He and his family are seasoned travelers and can be found anywhere from a mountain top, a forest, a beach, or even a corn field!
