How is an unidentified speaker indicated in a transcript?

In a transcript, indicating an unidentified speaker is done through a standardized format to ensure clarity and consistency. The term "UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER" is the most widely accepted and recognized designation for a speaker whose identity is not known at the time of transcribing the proceedings. This terminology effectively communicates to the reader that the speaker is not identifiable, thus maintaining the integrity of the transcript and allowing for an accurate reflection of the dialogue occurring.

Using "UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER" helps to avoid confusion that could arise from alternative terms, which may not have the same level of recognition or clarity. For instance, "UNKNOWN SPEAKER" and "UNIDENTIFIED INDIVIDUAL" could cause some ambiguity or misinterpretation regarding the nature of the anonymity, as they suggest slightly different meanings. Similarly, "UNNAMED SPEAKER" could imply a specific individual whose name is simply not referenced, rather than indicating that the speaker is entirely unidentified. Thus, the choice of "UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER" ensures that the transcript communicates precisely the situation of speaker identification.