Background Speech

Should I include all of the background speech in a job?

The answer is yes! Always type all audible speech, even if it seems inconsequential to the main topic of the job.

This includes:

Police radio chatter
Interruptions or insertions from speakers who are not part of the main conversation
Background conversations (even if they sound like they are unrelated to the main conversation)
Recorded/automated voices
Any other voices that you are able to hear

Remember to still follow the speaker labeling policies in these instances. If in the interview there is a background conversation by other speakers, just label them Other Speaker. Don’t switch to Next Speaker labeling just because more voices join in the background.

Recorded/automated voices should be formatted in bold.

You do not need to type background speech that is fully inaudible (where you can't make out any words that are said). If there are speakers talking in the background while the main interview is going on and you cannot hear what is being said in the background, do not include it.