Otter.AI: Tech Allows You to Listen & Engage While It Takes Notes

In recent editions, we introduced you all to new AI technology and the pros and cons of using them. From Tavrn, which helps generate medical reviews to ChatGPT assisting you in day-to-day tasks, AI serves to reduce your workload and free up the most valuable resource of all: Time. One of the most prominent and publicly accessible forms of AI is speech-to-text.

This type of AI technology has been around for years, from Google Assistant to Siri, we all have likely used this tool to send a text message, set an alarm, or play music. Even before this technology advancement was at our fingertips, software like Dragon Dictate was around to transcribe our beautiful voices into words in a matter of minutes. But, as the world continues to advance, so do the tools that we rely on. One of the better AI tools for the office I have found incredibly useful is Otter.AI.

Otter.AI is a speech-to-text software that can transcribe, and even summarize, recordings into numerous formats. But, what sets this software apart from the rest, is the accuracy and intuitiveness of its transcriptions. Otter.AI has an intuitive, user-friendly interface and summarizes information in an incredibly useful way. Not only will Otter.AI provide a general summary of the transcription, but also creates a bullet point outline of the information. This type of AI has boundless applications from transcribing audio and visual recordings of meetings, classes, evidentiary videos, and even personal voice memos (if you are like this writer who talks to himself to brainstorm ideas and thoughts).

One of the best personal experiences I have had using this tool was when I was preparing for an oral argument. Like most, I prepare for my hearings by arguing my case in my office, alone and talking to a wall (or in my backyard, reciting my argument to my dog as he runs around wondering why I keep using the phrase open-and-obvious). And, as we all know, nothing truly helps you fine-tune your argument as a wall judging you on the number of “ums” and “uhs.” But, unlike my walls, Otter.AI was not only judgment-free, it also summarized my argument in a concise thesis paragraph and provided an outline. In the outline produced, Otter.AI not only created sections, it accurately identified and separated each supporting argument in a sentence.

Despite having an outline already created, the outline generated “Action Items” based on the outline and transcript. This was probably the main feature that “sold” me on this software. These “Action Items” appeared to be accurate bullet point summaries of the assignment of errors. But, upon further review, it was an AI generated checklist of what I needed to accomplish through my argument. The less the technology transcribed on an argument I made, the longer the action item summary was. This tool
allowed me to focus building the weaker aspects of my arguments before presenting to a panel of judges.

Now, just like any other AI tool, there are some transcriptional errors. But, they are to be expected. When I mumble or talk too quickly, the transcript may not capture the correct words. But, and hopefully I’m not alone, this is equivalent to Siri thinking you are talking to it when you say any word that ends in “ery”. At least with Otter.AI, it doesn’t automatically record your speech, you have to initiate or upload a recording before it starts working!

Otter.AI is truly a hidden gem for those who have not discovered it. Whether you are too focused on participating in a meeting to take detailed notes or need to actively listen to retain information, Otter.AI can transform your life both professionally and personally. It is an inexpensive alternative compared to other similar software on the market. In fact, there is a free option for those who are interested in testing it out. In a world where time is worth more than gold, this type of technology is priceless.