TIPS: focus groups and round table discussions Choose a quiet location (open windows will pick up outside traffic noise etc). Pick the correct microphone. Turn off voice activation. If you want the participants to be identified throughout the transcript get them to say a little about themselves first before starting the discussions. Two minutes of introductions by each participant can make the difference between voices being identified throughout the recording or the transcriber having a number of question marks where the initials of the participants should be. Without sufficient introduction time no identifiable trends in tones, voices, accents or other identifiers can be established and therefore a 'voice map' of what voice goes with what name is impossible. That little bit of extra time at the beginning of your session will enhance the opportunity for the transcriber to accurately reflect who said what and when. If you think people are quiet or difficult to hear the transcriber will certainly notice that, so either get them to move closer to the microphone or ask them politely at the beginning to speak up a little for recording purposes. Thanking the person by name after they have spoken is always a good idea too, in case they announced their name quickly, only the first name is necessary for identification. Don't have drinks available during the session but have them in break times. Cups and crockery cause terrible problems when transcribing material. It obscures what is being said when something is put down heavily or dropped. The transcriber can also be deafened when they turn up the sound to hear a quiet speaker and a spoon gets dropped onto a ceramic surface. If using a microphone that uses the table to resonate sound the above especially applies. Ask all participants to turn off their mobile phones. Phones set to vibrate or silent ring will still cause signals to be picked up by speakers/microphones. Where possible use digital medium for a better sound recording/playback quality. If using MiniDisc ensure it has a microphone jack to accommodate an external microphone. Choose someone with extensive experience in transcribing these sorts of meetings. Have a practice run through with colleagues in the room you choose to use to check on recording levels, placement of the microphone and background noise. Listen to the recording through headphones, because this is what the transcriber will use. When people return from breaks ensure they sit in the same places. A 'voice map' is devised for these sessions by an experienced transcriber and if recorded in stereo, people can be identified by their position (i.e. participants being heard through the left hand speaker and others through the right hand speaker) - which all changes if you allow people to choose their seating on their return. Wherever possible supply the transcriber with a list of participants and any technical terms referred to throughout the meeting.