Speech-to-text software (dictation)

This app is built into Windows, so there's nothing you need to download and install.

1. Open a document (e.g. Word or Notepad), or select any text field.  Then on your keyboard press(Windows key) + H to display the dictation toolbar in the top, centre of the screen.
2. Begin talking and your speech is converted to text.
3. For accuracy, you need to speak slowly and clearly.
4. It only produces text on the screen when you pause, so don’t use long sentences.
5. The computer displays a continuous stream of text until you specify punctuation, e.g. say "comma", or “full stop” or “new line”
6. The dictation app stops automatically if you pause for a long time.  To restart it, select the microphone icon on the dictation toolbar. 

Note: To use Windows dictation, you need to be connected to the internet.

Dictation

(Note: This is probably a better option than Windows dictation above)

Using Microsoft Office 365, you can dictate into Word, OneNote and Powerpoint.  It works both on the apps installed on your computer, and online. 

In Word you will see the Dictate button on the far right of the toolbar.  It works with numerous languages.  It also works on a mac.

• Watch this video about using dictate in Office.

Transcribe audio

Note:  This is an option when you are using Word online - not the Word installed on your computer.

• In your internet browser, go to Office.com and sign in.  
• Open a new Word document.
• On the Dictate button, select the drop-down arrow, then select Transcribe.  You now have 2 more options:-

1. Upload audio.  You can upload an audio file from your computer, which is automatically transcribed into text for you to read.  This is a useful way to make the content of podcasts available for the hard of hearing.
2. Start recording.  You can record a conversation.  Once you have finished recording, you can have the recording transcribed and insert it as text into your Word document.

• Watch this video about recording and transcribing audio.

Voice Typing in Google Docs

This is quicker than Windows dictation.

It only works in Google docs, but once your dictation is complete, you can copy and paste the text into another app if you wish.

• In your Chrome browser, on the Google home page, select the grid of 9 dots in the top right, scroll down the menu, then select Docs
• Start a new, blank document
• On the Docs toolbar, select Tools, then Voice Typing
• When you are ready to dictate, select the microphone icon on the left
• You can use spoken commands to format text and edit your document
• You can dictate in many languages

For more details, watch this video about voice typing in Google docs.

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Apple Dictation

Before you can start using Apple dictation, you will have to enable it.

• Select the Apple logo in the top-left toolbar, then choose System Preferences.
• Select Keyboard, then select the Dictation tab on the right of the menu. 
• Select On, and if desired, turn on enhanced dictation by ticking the corresponding box.  Enhanced dictation allows you to use additional commands, like bold, italics, underline, copy, delete, and undo.
• Set the language and create the desired shortcut.

Now that you've enabled the dictation feature, here's how to use it:

• Open a document.
• Place your cursor to the desired location for your dictation.
• Use the shortcut you established when setting up dictation. Alternatively, you can select Edit and then Start Dictation
• A microphone icon appears on the screen.   Start talking.
• As you speak, say your desired punctuation out loud, otherwise you'll end up with a long, run-on sentence.
• To stop dictation, select Done below the microphone icon.

For details, watch this video about using Apple Dictation video.

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Dragon Naturally Speaking

• Dragon is probably the world’s best voice recognition software package.  It is faster and more accurate than alternatives.
• Dragon allows conversion of spoken words into text, and additionally allows users to have control over their computers only with voice commands. It allows you to type faster with your voice than with your fingers.  You can send emails and search the web.
• Dragon requires time to customise it and learn the features.  
• The latest Home version of Dragon costs $299, though you can trial it for 30 days.  Or you can often find previous versions at a cheaper price.

For details visit the Dragon webpage.