Very simple. Verbatim transcription captures every word exactly as it is spoken, including all utterances, non-verbal sounds, and any grammatical errors. It is not usually necessary for the majority of transcription work.

Edited or intelligent transcription, which is the typical way transcription work is completed, simplifies the spoken word and removes the verbal cues and fillers such as “um”, “ah”, “you know”, as well as false starts.

Intelligent transcription (also known as intelligent verbatim) is the better option for the overwhelming majority of transcription work. It is also cheaper as it takes less time to transcribe.