Standard Punctuation:
* Periods (.) - Mark the end of a sentence.
* Commas (,) - Separate items in a list, introduce clauses, and indicate pauses.
* Question marks (?) - Follow direct questions.
* Exclamation marks (!) - Indicate strong emotion or emphasis.
* Apostrophes (') - Show possession, contractions, and omitted letters.
* Quotation marks ("") - Enclose direct quotes.
* Semicolons (;) - Join closely related independent clauses or separate items in a list that already contains commas.
* Colons (:) - Introduce lists, explanations, or quotations.
* Hyphens (-) - Join words to create compound words or indicate a range.
* Dashes (-) - Indicate a sudden break in thought, an interruption, or an appositive.
Transcription-Specific Punctuation:
* Brackets ([ ]) - Used to enclose speaker labels, sounds, or explanations within a transcript.
* Parentheses (()) - Used to enclose clarification, translations, or annotations.
* Slash (/) - Used to indicate overlapping speech, pauses, or interruptions.
* Ellipsis (...) - Indicates an omission in a quote or a trailing off of thought.
Example:
> [SPEAKER 1] Okay, so, what are we doing about the project deadline?
>
> [SPEAKER 2] We need to get started on it right away. I think we should, uh, maybe divide the work into sections.
>
> [SPEAKER 1] (nodding) Yeah, that makes sense. (...) How about we meet again tomorrow to discuss it?
Important Considerations:
* Transcription Style: Different transcription services or organizations may have specific style guides that dictate punctuation usage.
* Clarity: Punctuation should be used to enhance clarity and readability.
* Context: Consider the context of the conversation when deciding how to punctuate.
Remember, consistent and clear punctuation in a transcript is crucial for making it easy to read and understand.