Dictation for Free

A friend asked for a recommendation for dictation software so she could talk the first draft of a book. You can spend a lot of money on dictation software, but no matter the software you use, it is a learning curve. My recommendation is to start with free software that is already on your computer.

Windows 10

On Windows 10, start by putting your cursor any place you’d normally type and pressing the Windows key and H at the same time. You might be directed to Settings to turn on this feature the first time you try.

Mac

In MacOS, starting in Catelina, you “Enable Voice Control” in System Preferences > Accessibility. A microphone will appear in the bottom right of your screen. Now anywhere you put a cursor, macOS will be listening and type for you when you talk. Be sure to click “Sleep” on that microphone or you may find your Mac writing something you had not intended.

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word, in Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android has a built in dictate feature. Place your cursor where you want to write and click/ tap the microphone icon to dictate. In Windows and MacOS the dictate microphone is found in the Home ribbon on the right. In iOS and Android the dictate microphone is a can’t-miss-it button in the bottom right of the screen to enable mobile users who would rather talk than type on a phone.

Learning Curve

Now that you have the tools, you’ll need three things to feel successful.

First, get a good microphone, especially if you are using a desktop. If your computer can’t hear properly what you are saying, you are destined to waste your time on too many corrections.

Second, learn the commands for punctuation, etc. Here are the links for the three free tools I have referenced in this article:
Windows Commands
macOS Commands
Microsoft Word Commands

Third, you’ll need a healthy measure of practice and perseverance. Frankly, I feel like a fool when I try to dictate anything, I just can’t balance the presence of mind and future thoughts when talking to a computer. Come to think of it, I am barely coherent when I’m trying to make my point in daily conversations to humans. You, I am sure, will have an easier time of it than I, but you’ll need to practice.

Ten years ago this blog would not have been possible, there were only a couple of commercially available and expensive voice recognition programs available. Even so, you’d still be up against the Learning Curve.