How to Use Speech Recognition in Windows XP

Now that you've installed speech recognition in Windows XP it's time to start using it. While it may seem a bit confusing at first, with a little practice you will be using your speech recognition in Windows XP like a pro in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Windows XP
• Microsoft Word
• Internet access
• Microphone
• Speakers

Instructions

1. Install Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Word 2002 on your computer. (See the related eHow article titled "How to Install Speech Recognition in Windows XP.")

2. Establish your speech recognition profile settings. These settings allow your computer to recognize your voice. Click "Start," "Control Panel," and double click on "Speech." Next, click "Speech Recognition" and select a profile to configure under "Recognition Profiles" and click "Settings."

3. Configure "Pronunciation Sensitivity" and "Accuracy vs. Recognition Response Time" with the sliders. Set the pronunciation slider to high and you'll have a lower number of recognition errors but more rejected commands; with a low setting, fewer commands are recognized and even fewer rejected. Set the accuracy slider to "Low/Fast" for limited processing; text shows up fast but accuracy is low. "High/Slow" yields a greater rate of accuracy but slower dictated text processing.

4. Click "Ok" to return to the "Speech Recognition" tab. Go to "Recognition Profiles" and select "Train Profile" to improve your program's accuracy. Follow the Voice Training Wizard prompts for gathering your voice samples.

5. Configure your microphone settings. The Microphone Wizard will guide you through configuring and testing your microphone.

6. Go to the Control Panel and click on "Regional and Language Options," "Language," "Details." When the "Text Services and Input Language" box opens select "Speech Recognition" under "Installed Services" and hit "Properties."

7. Use the "Advanced" tab to design the manner in which Windows XP and your speech recognition engine will interact. Check "Extend support of advanced text services to all programs." Restart your computer, after which a Language Bar icon will be displayed on your desktop.

8. Open Microsoft Word and look for the Language bar under the Tools menu. Click on the microphone icon, click or say "Dictation" and begin speaking. Microsoft Word will automatically begin entering text.

9. Adjust your speech recognition settings as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Use dictation mode for converting spoken words into text.

• Use voice command mode to choose menu, toolbar and task pane items and to open dialog boxes.

• Check that technical support is available either via a toll-free number or online.