© Shutterstock It only takes a few clicks to enable Word's speech-to-text mode. Shutterstock

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• You can use speech-to-text on Microsoft Word through the 'Dictate' feature.
• With Microsoft Word's 'Dictate' feature, you can write using a microphone and your own voice.
• When you use Dictate, you can say 'new line' to create a new paragraph and add punctuation simply by saying the punctuation aloud.
• If you're not satisfied with Word's built-in speech-to-text feature, you can use a third-party program like Dragon Home.

While typing is certainly the most common way to create and edit documents in Microsoft Word, you're not limited to using a keyboard.

Word supports speech-to-text, which lets you dictate your writing using voice recognition.

Speech-to-text in Word is convenient and surprisingly accurate, and can help anyone who has issues typing with a typical keyboard.

You can use speech-to-text in Microsoft Word in the same way on both Mac and PC.

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How to use speech-to-text on Word using Dictate

Make sure you have a microphone connected to your computer. This can be built-in, like on a laptop, or a separate mic that you plug into the USB or audio jack.

It doesn't matter which type you use, though the best kind of mic to use is a headset, as it won't need to compete with as much background noise as a built-in microphone.

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1. In Microsoft Word, make sure you're in the 'Home' tab at the top of the screen, and then click 'Dictate.'

2. You should hear a beep, and the dictate button will change to include a red recording light. It's now listening for your dictation.

3. Speak clearly, and Word should transcribe everything you say in the current document. Speak punctuation aloud as you go. You can also say 'New line,' which has the same effect as pressing the Enter or Return key on the keyboard.

4. When you're done dictating, click 'Dictate' a second time or turn it off using your voice by saying, 'Turn the dictate feature off.'

You can still type with the keyboard while Dictate is on, but if you click outside of Word or switch to another program, Dictate will turn itself off.

Want to change languages? You can click the downward arrow on the Dictate button to choose which of nine or so languages you want to speak. You might also see additional 'Preview Languages,' which are still in beta and may have lower accuracy.

Speech-to-text alternatives

You're not limited to using the Dictate feature built into Word. While not as popular as they once were, there are several commercial speech-to-text apps available which you can use with Word.

The most popular of these, Dragon Home, performs the same kind of voice recognition as Word's Dictate, but it also lets you control Word, format text, and make edits to your text using your voice. It works with nearly any program, not just Word.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

The concept of speech recognition – the ability of computers to recognize and interpret speech – is not new. In fact, it has been a hot topic of interest in the computer industry for as long as there have been computers around. Voice recognition was once a distant dream but has now become an everyday reality. The idea is quite simple; speech recognition uses a microphone connected to your computer running the speech recognition program. It typically collects words spoken into the microphone and then converts the analog sound of your voice into digital data, which is then processed by the speech recognition software.

Microsoft has had a speech recognition program for years, but it did not become part of the Microsoft operating systems until the release of Windows Vista in 2006. Microsoft has added some features to its speech recognition program in the current Windows 10 operating system. Speech recognition has improved dramatically over the years. And while Window Speech Recognition may sound like a great deal for those with additional needs, it is not the only speech recognition software out there. And when it comes to speech recognition, Dragon NaturallySpeaking (or Dragon) is pretty much the only game in town. Dragon is probably the world’s best voice recognition software package out there.

Dragon Software Voice Recognition Download

What is Windows Speech Recognition?

Speech To Text Dragon

Windows Speech Recognition is the Microsoft’s proprietary voice recognition program that comes pre-built with Windows operating systems. Microsoft has had the speech recognition built-in since the Windows Vista. The speech recognition allows you to control the desktop user interface with your voice. It not only allows you to control your PC with your voice but also dictate text a hell of a lot faster than you can type. To use speech recognition, you need a PC with a microphone. The setup is quite simple; you just have to set up the microphone and train the computer to recognize your voice and you’re good to go. It picks up words spoken into the microphone and then transforms the analog sound of your voice into digital data, which is then processed by the speech recognition software.

What is “Dragon”?

Dragon NaturallySpeaking, or simply called Dragon, is one of the world’s best speech recognition software that allows conversion of spoken words into text in a text program using just your voice. Dragon allows users to have complete control over their computers only with voice commands. Dragon has transformed the way people work, write and enter data. It gives the ultimate power to your lips making it the principal output device and allowing you to type faster with your voice commands than with your fingers. Dragon comes in a variety of versions and each version has its own set of features. The basic version comes with all the basic features and costs $49.99, while the more advanced professional and enterprise versions can go all the way up to $500.

Difference between Windows Speech Recognition and Dragon

Basics of Windows Speech Recognition and Dragon

– Both Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) and Dragon are among the most preferred choices when it comes to speech recognition, especially desktop dictation. WSR is the Microsoft’s very own speech recognition program that comes pre-built into Windows operating systems. Microsoft has had the speech recognition built-in since the Windows Vista. Dragon, on the other hand, is the world’s best speech recognition software package that enables you to do more on your computer in less time by just talking rather than typing words. Dragon is an all-in-one software solution from Nuance Communications.

Accuracy in Windows Speech Recognition Vs. Dragon

– Converting spoken words into text is a tricky job in itself, and Dragon lives up to the challenge. Dragon can do great things as soon as you open the package, especially with the Dragon NaturallySpeaking Premium version, you get maximum accuracy with minimal errors. Dragon claims words appear on the box faster than typing with accuracy that is truly unmatched. Dragon dictates much better than most of the speech recognition programs out there, including Windows Speech Recognition. In addition, the Premium version can effectively recognize different accents to interpret different dialects of English. Dragon undoubtedly excels when it comes to accuracy.

Cost of Windows Speech Recognition Vs. Dragon

– As Windows Speech Recognition is the Microsoft’s own voice recognition program that comes pre-built into the Windows operating systems, it is absolutely free of cost. Anyone with a Windows PC can use the Windows Speech Recognition program without paying a single dime. On the contrary, Dragon is a paid yet robust speech recognition solution that provides something for everyone, from the basic plan for the individuals that costs $49.99 to the Premium plans for professionals and enterprises that costs up to $500.

Windows Speech Recognition vs. Dragon: Comparison Chart

Summary of Windows Speech Recognition Vs. Dragon

Microsoft has had the Windows Speech Recognition of years. It’s elegantly designed and easy to setup and use, and it is surprising how useful it can be for anyone who doesn’t like to type. It not only allows you to control your PC with your voice, but also dictate text a whole lot faster than you can type. And considering it’s free of cost, it is a decent speech recognition program without any extra bells and whistles. However, it cannot match the accuracy of its archrival Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Dragon is a robust speech recognition software package that provides something for almost everyone, whether it’s a student or a professional or an enterprise.

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