Schalk, Cape Town
Our Listener – Schalk, Cape Town
“Finding meaning in every word and moment.“
Since joining Way With Words in 2016, Schalk has built a career that reflects both precision and empathy. His path into transcription began almost by accident, a new opportunity stumbled upon at just the right time. After finishing a previous contract, he found himself exploring options online when he came across Way With Words. With a background in writing and editing, and a natural ear for detail, it felt like a perfect fit. What started as a chance discovery soon became a steady and meaningful part of his professional life.
Away from work, Schalk describes himself as someone who enjoys quiet, grounded pleasures. His free time often revolves around gaming, watching films, and reading, his preferred pursuits that offer both escape and inspiration. He also values time spent with friends and the company of his beloved pets, who, as he puts it, are thoroughly spoiled. These moments of relaxation and connection form a balance to the focus and concentration that transcription demands.
Over the years, Schalk has worked on countless recordings, each one offering a glimpse into the diversity of human experience. He recalls many files with difficult or muffled audio, where the key to accuracy lay not just in hearing but in understanding — using human context to interpret meaning that a machine could easily miss. For him, that’s what makes human transcribers so essential: “Understanding the why behind an interview or conversation helps you make sense of what’s being said, even when it’s unclear. That human insight makes all the difference.”
Certain projects have resonated with him on a more personal level, especially those centred around LGBTQIA+ topics. As someone who identifies with the community himself, these recordings have often struck a deep chord. They remind him how transcription, in its quiet and meticulous way, helps to give voice to important stories and preserve experiences that matter.
When asked what makes a great transcriber or editor, Schalk’s answer is simple but revealing: persistence, thoroughness, and a good ear. The work may be solitary, but it demands constant engagement and care. These are the qualities he has honed over years of listening closely, thinking deeply, and always striving to understand.
For Schalk, transcription is more than just turning speech into text. It’s about recognising the human stories behind every voice, every pause, and every word.
Our Company – Way With Words
Way With Words provides English-language transcription, translation, and speech data services to clients worldwide. Our dedicated contractors bring accuracy, care, and human understanding to every project.