Dictating Your Entries

After you have trained speech recognition, the process of using the feature to convert your spoken words and numbers into typed text and values is a snap. The key is to know how to use the Language bar and to keep an eye on the selected cell , as shown in Figure 15.9. The Language bar contains several buttons that control your microphone and let you switch between Dictation and Voice Command mode.

Figure 15.9. Know your Language bar, and keep an eye on the selected cell.

To start dictating text, make sure the Microphone button and the Dictation button are on (shaded light blue, instead of gray). If the Microphone button is off, both the Dictation and Voice Command buttons are hidden; click the Microphone button and then click the Dictation button. If the Microphone button is on and the Voice Command button is on, click the Dictation button to change to Dictation mode. Then click the cell where you want your entry inserted and start talking. Remember to speak clearly and at a steady pace.

As you speak, speech recognition displays a light blue bar with little dots in it in the selected cell, indicating that it is currently trying to convert your spoken words into text and values. When it has successfully translated a bit of text, the text or value pops up in place of the blue bar. (Converting your spoken words into entries can take several seconds. Even though you cannot immediately see what you're saying, just keep talking.)

When you finish speaking an entry, pause for a second or two, and say "Enter" to move to the next cell down or "Tab" to move one cell to the right.

If speech recognition inserts an incorrect word or value, double-click the word or value and type the correction, or speak the word or value again.

Tip

Instead of clicking a button to change from Dictation to Voice Command mode (or vice versa), just say the word. To dictate text, say "Dictation." To enter a command, say "Voice command."

Note

Try to keep your microphone as far away as possible from other electrical devices, including your computer. These devices emit EMF (electro-magnetic frequencies) noise, which can cause a low hum that might interfere with your dictation. Special noise-reduction microphones also can help reduce background noise. You might want to stay clear of chatty officemates, as well.