How to Set up Voice Commands on Mac OS

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Mac 0S allows you to turn on its voice commands function and control applications orally. This option can simply be fun for users, or it can provide a utilitarian function for those with limited use of their hands. These directions only apply to those with OS 10.3 or above.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Mac with OS 10.3 or above

Step1

Click on the apple menu item (top left) and select "System Preferences."

Step2

When the system preferences box appears, press "Show All" in the upper left-hand corner. Click on "Speech" (it should be under the "System" tab in the fourth row).

Step3

Under "Listening" (next to "On/Off"), you can choose which key will function as your listening key ("Esc" is the default key). You can then choose whether the function will always be on, or whether it will only kick in when you press the listening key (this is the first option "Listen Only While Key Is Pressed"). The latter option is recommended.

Step4

Select "Commands" (next to "On/Off" and "Listening"). Select the functions you want affected by the listening mechanism (it is recommended to select all of them).

Step5

Click on "Speech Recognition", and "On/Off", and then select "On" next to "Apple Speakable Items is:" When you turn it on, you have to wait about 10 to 20 seconds before you can move on. Step 3 and 4 are not needed if you have done this previously. A little microphone icon will appear.

Step6

To find the voice commands, click on downward facing arrow of the aforementioned icon. Click on "Open the Speech Commands Window." Test it out using one of the commands. A good test is to say "Open my browser." Afterwards, try "Quit this application."

Step7

To add an application or document, go into Finder, select the document or application, and say "Make this speakable." Wait 20 seconds and test it out. If this doesn't work, don't worry. Just turn "Apple Speakable Items" off and then on again.