Group Conversations for Typists

What is a Group Conversation (GC)?

A GC is any job that includes interaction between more than one speaker, such as an interview, conference, etc. A detailed explanation of what is or is not a GC can be found in the GC section of OLH. Currently, only Proofreaders and select Group Conversation Typists are eligible to type these jobs, so if you are a regular legal or general typist, please follow the procedures for How to Submit a Group Conversation (for Typists).

If a non-GC typist transcribes some or all of a GC, it will be rejected back to typing and the typist will not be paid for their work. Please ensure you understand the procedures for handling GCs appropriately.

Multiple Speaker Jobs that are Not GCs

Keep in mind, some jobs may have multiple speakers but are not considered GCs. The most common example of this that you'll encounter is Sermons, Lectures and Speeches and Voicemails. All typists are eligible to transcribe these jobs, so please ensure you are aware of the criteria for what makes a job a GC or not.

Help Ticket

If you are certain that a job is a GC, no Help Ticket is needed before submitting it as explained in How to Submit a Group Conversation (for Typists). However, if you are at all unsure of whether a job is a GC, please open a Help Ticket and follow the instructions provided by the Help Desk. When the Help Desk is closed, use your best judgment and leave an explanatory comment to proof.

Regular Jobs that Turn Into GCs: The 10-Second Rule

Occasionally, you may receive a job where a client is dictating a regular document, such as a letter or memo, and then another person interjects. If this happens, keep in mind the 10-Second Rule:

If the interaction is 10 seconds or less:

Format it as an instruction to staff.

I'm reaching out to Applicant's Attorney to [Hey Bob, here's that file. Thanks, Mary, I appreciate it.] discuss settlement.

If the interaction is greater than 10 seconds:

The job becomes a GC.

Stop typing before the second speaker chimes in, leave a comment to proof to explain the situation, and submit the job as a partial. Make sure to check the GC box before uploading the partial so it is routed appropriately to someone eligible for typing GCs. You will be paid for the work you completed.

If the speaking appears to be a television or radio show/recording playing in the background, or a background conversation not involving the dictator*:

*This only applies to regular jobs (not GCs).

Ignore it. Do not transcribe it at all.

Heard: I attended the hearing of Joe Smith [So Ellen, I hear you're looking for a new co-host. Oh, Jon Hamm, you are so funny.] on March 29, 2018.

Type: I attended the hearing of Joe Smith on March 29, 2018.

When in doubt, please open a help ticket to get a second opinion. Please also leave the appropriate comments to proof about your decision.

The 10-Second Rule only applies to regular dictation jobs. In order for Sermons, Lectures and Speeches to be considered a GC, they must contain an interaction between two or more persons where they are conversing in a dialogue.

Quick Reference Chart to Determine if a Job is a GC: