The exciting news is that Word supports speech-into-text, which allows you to dictate your writing with voice recognition. Word’s speech-into-text feature is easy and accurate.
So, that anyone who has difficulty typing on a standard keyboard can use it. How do I turn speech into text? Using either Mac or a PC you can use Microsoft Word speech-to-text the same way.
Just a few clicks are all it takes to activate Word’s speech-to-text mode. The “Dictate” feature allows you to use speech-to-text on Microsoft Word. This feature will allow you to write with a microphone and your voice. It lets you say “new line” to create a new paragraph. You can also add punctuation by simply saying “Punctuation” aloud.
Listed below are the steps to dictate to Word.
Table of Contents
Changing the Language!
To see your language options, open the drop-down menu of the Dictate button. Although not as well-known as they used to be, you can still find commercial speech-to-text apps that work with Word.
To choose from nine languages, click the down arrow next to the Dictate button.
Dragon Home is the most popular. It performs the same voice recognition as Word’s Dictate. However, it lets you use your voice to control Word, format text, and make edits. You can use it with almost any program, not only Word.
When looking at voice-to-text apps, you need to consider accuracy, shortcuts, as well as available languages. These apps can help you take notes, send messages quickly, or translate instantly.
You can text-to-speech on your iPad’s Kindle app using an accessibility feature.
These programs are great for busy professionals who need to be on the move or think faster than they can write. They also allow you to store and retrieve your recordings safely via the cloud.
How to Use the Dictate Feature to Turn Speech into Text on Word!
You can use either a built-in microphone, such as on a laptop or plug a separate microphone into an audio jack or USB port. You have to choose which type of microphone you use. However, a headset is the best because it doesn’t have to deal with background noises as well as a built-in microphone.
- Make sure to open Microsoft Word in the “Home tab” section at the top of your screen and click “Dictate”. To activate Word’s speech-to-text feature, click “Dictate”.
- The dictate button should sound a beep and a red light will appear. Word is now listening to your dictation. It is listening when the Dictate button flashes red.
- Word will transcribe what you speak. Use punctuation to your advantage. You can also use the “New line” option, which has the same effect as pressing the Enter key or Return key on your keyboard.
- After you are done dictating, click “Dictate the second time” or use your voice to turn it off by saying “Turn off the dictate feature.” You can use Dictate to type on the keyboard even though it is turned off. However, if you switch programs or click outside Word, Dictate will shut itself down.
Or you can try out one of these amazing voice-to-text apps.
The 8 best voice-into-text apps of 2022
- Transcribe
- iTranslate Converse
- Speech notes
- Braina
- Google Assistant
- SpeechTexter – Speech to Text
- Voice Notes
- Dragon Anywhere
1. Transcribe Speech into Text
- Accuracy Rate: 90%
- Prices: $5 an hour for transcription
- Free trial: 15 minutes transcription
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Software is simple to use
- Transcription is available in over 80 languages and dialects
Cons:
- Only for Apple products
- Price is high
Overview
You can only use Transcribe with Apple products that have Voice Memo or video. There is no in-app dictation. Transcribe can be expensive. It is cheaper than human transcribers, but it is more susceptible to errors with 90% accuracy.
This app is useful for secretaries and journalists who need to keep track of a lot more conversations. Transcribe uses A.I. to convert any audio or video message into a transcription. It can do this in more than 80 languages and dialects. You can export your text to DropBox or drop it in this app after you have finished recording.
A free trial of 15 minutes transcription is available to all users. You pay $5 for each additional hour or alternatively pay $30 US for ten hours.
2. iTranslate Converse
- Accuracy Rate: Not disclosed
- Price: $5/month or $40/year
- 7-day free trial
I chose iTranslate Converse for its ability to translate languages in noisy environments.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It recognizes up to 38 languages.
- It works well in noisy environments.
- Allows for real-time communication in another language.
Cons:
- Unknown accuracy rate
- Subscription fee
Overview
You only need to set the languages. Next, tap, hold and speak into the phone. The app will detect the language you speak and then provide a translation. Yes, even in noisy environments! It can recognize 38 languages.
The same person who created iTranslate developed iTranslate Converse. It is a real-time translation app that is available to all language pairs. This is useful for communicating with clients or when you are traveling internationally.
Once your conversation is finished, you can download the full transcriptions. Although it may not be perfect at all, it is faster than using a personal assistant app that searches for translations.
iTranslate costs a monthly subscription, but it won’t break the bank. You’ll get a free seven-day trial when you download it. After the trial ends, you will need to upgrade to pro for $5 per month and $40 per year.
3. Speech notes
- 90% accuracy rate
- No cost trial
Speech notes is a great choice because it allows you to record extremely long audio.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- App available for free
- Allow long recordings
- Allow you to pause the recording to add punctuation
Cons:
- Only available for Android and desktop
- Free app with in-app ads
Overview
You can remove the ad banner from the free app by upgrading to a premium one. You also get 4 MB of free storage, and all recordings are saved as .TXT files.
Continue recording for as long as you need. To insert punctuation marks in your work, you can tap a button to do so or use a verbal command.
This app is great for writers who think faster than they can write. Two special features make Speechnotes great for organizing long notes. It doesn’t stop recording, even when you pause to think or breathe.
You don’t even need to open the app in order to access Speechnotes. Instead, tap on a widget. You can only access Speechnotes via your browser or Android.
4. Braina
Braina is the best for niche industry terms.
- Accuracy Rate: 99 %
- Prices: From $49 to $139
- No cost trial
Briana is able to help you use voice-to-text within a jargon-filled sector.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It recognizes more than 100 languages.
- Personal A.I. built to recognize industry jargon
- Get started with a free version.
Cons:
- It may take some time to personalize
- Premium version at a premium price
Overview
Braina offers voice recognition capabilities that allow you to learn niche terms. It can recognize more than 100 languages, so non-English speakers use it. Braina also offers convenient dictation commands that you can use to delete.
It can recognize most legal, medical, and scientific terms. This is especially useful if you work within a niche with technical jargon. Braina can also recognize vocabulary and uncommon names with ease.
Braina is an A.I. personal assistant. It is a personal A.I. that you can use for communication with your computer via your Android or iOS devices. It can transform your voice into text and convert it to any website or program, even word-processing ones.
You can download the free “Lite” version for just a few dictation options. To have full access to the program, upgrade to Pro ($49 for one year) or Pro Lifetime ($139 for unlimited access).
5. Google Assistant
- Accuracy Rate: 86%
- No cost trial
Google Assistant is a tool that can assist you in completing a wide range of tasks.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Use it free of charge
- Integrated into existing services such as email or messaging
Cons:
- Applets are a must-use tool to improve note-taking skills
- Note-taking is not a part of the design.
Overview
To maximize the note-taking capabilities of Google Assistant, you can use IFTTT (If this Then That). Google Assistant can log all your notes into one applet. You can also search IFTTT for other productivity-boosting applets or create your own as you deem fit.
The app can convert speech into text. It can send messages, create emails, manage tasks, and add events to your calendar. Although it is not a speech-to-text app, it can help you organize your thoughts and notes using voice recognition.
Google Assistant can do a lot of things, such as playing music or opening maps. One of the best features is voice recognition. You can use voice commands to search for information or tell Google Assistant what to do.
6. SpeechTexter Speech to Text
- Accuracy Rate: 95%
- No cost trial
SpeechTexter allows you to create tweets, emails, and other text-based communications using your voice.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- You can customize your commands
- You can send notes by using your voice
- 60 languages supported
Cons:
- You can use large amounts of phone storage when you are offline.
- It is more accurate to use offline mode.
Overview
It supports more than 60 languages and offers a 95% accuracy rate. You can also customize your punctuation commands.
You need to send a message quickly but you are busy with other tasks. Here’s a quick solution. SpeechTexter, which uses Google’s backend, allows you to send SMS messages, email notes, and tweets using your voice.
Although it is possible to use the app offline, the accuracy and recognition speed depends on your Internet connection. Install language packs to make the app work offline. This option will limit your options when it comes to languages. You can only choose from 12 major tongues.
7. Voice Notes
- Accuracy Rate: Not disclosed
- No cost trial
Voice Notes is great for its simple layout that makes it easy to store notes.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- App available for free
- Recognizes 119 languages
Cons:
- It consumes so much space on a mobile device
- Only available for Android phones
Overview
You can record notes in up to 119 languages with the app. You can download the app for free or subscribe to a premium plan in order to support the developer.
You can customize alerts that sync with your phone’s calendar. It is easy to use and intuitive. Simply press the microphone button to record. Even with your phone’s screen off, you can still make notes.
You can also use your voice to express an idea if you don’t have a pen or paper. Voice Notes uses speech recognition to make it easy to take notes. The program allows you to organize your notes into different categories, and set reminders.
There are some caveats. Voice Notes is a very popular app. You will need Google Voice Search installed in order to use it. This will take up more space on the phone.
8. Dragon Anywhere
- Price: $15/month or $150/year
- One Week Free Trial
- Accuracy Rate: 99 %
Dragon Anywhere is 99 percent accurate and offers voice editing and formatting options.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Multiple ways to share documents
- No word limits
- Accuracy: 99 %
Cons:
- It may take some time to master the built-in commands
- Costly
Overview
As it learns your voice, it will become faster and more accurate. The app is free to use for as long or as little as you want. There are no word limits. Dragon Anywhere lets you customize industry lingo to increase your accuracy.
Once you have completed the transcription, you can share your notes via email, Dropbox, and Evernote. You can sync Dragon Anywhere with your desktop to do voice work.
Dragon Anywhere, available for Android and iOS, is a premium professional tool. It’s a major player in the world of dictation app marketplaces. It is 99% accurate, and it supports voice editing and formatting.
The accuracy and rich features of the program come at a price. The bill can be worth the investment if you are able to think quickly and need to keep track of meeting minutes. The $15/month and $150/year fees for the application are included.
Final Thoughts
Voice-to-text tools are a great way to simplify your life. Dragon Anywhere is different from other options. You will find streamlined tools to meet all your voice-to-text needs.
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If this has helped you in your research, I would love you to leave a comment, or a like and share. Don’t be shy, tell me what you think!
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Speech to text is something I had only ever vaguely considered in the past, so finding a write-up about it is very interesting. I imagine this feature in Word could be an asset for efficiency. To me, Dragon Anywhere seems to be the best, despite its subscription price. What do you get with the free version of it, and how much more access do you get with the paid Dragon Anywhere?
Yes, it’s something that I’ve toyed with over the years and now use all the time. You need Microsoft Office 365 installed on your computer but then it is free to use. As usual, you get fewer features with the free version but it’s worth trying to see if it works for you and then upgrade.