How to Convert Voice to Text in Vista

Windows Vista comes standard with speech recognition software. The speech recognition program is a productivity tool, designed to take the place of the keyboard and mouse functions. You can use the software to launch programs and navigate the Windows interface. The speech recognition software also converts voice dictation to text in Microsoft Word and other text-capable programs. Windows speech recognition is easy to use but it does require some training in order to recognize your individual speech pattern.

Things You'll Need

• Headset microphone
• Word processing or text-capable program

Instructions

Initial Setup

1. Attach the headset to the computer. Click on the "Start" button and type "Windows Speech Recognition" in the search bar. Click on "Windows Speech Recognition" to launch the program.

2. Click "Next" in the "Set Up Speech Recognition" screen and select "Headset Microphone" from the list. Test microphone volume levels by speaking into the mic, then click "Next."

3. Follow the tutorial, which launches after you set up the microphone, to train the program to your voice and learn the finer points of the speech recognition program. Windows Speech Recognition is now ready for use.

Using the Software

1. Attach the headset to the computer. Click on the "Start" button and type "Windows Speech Recognition" in the search bar. Click on "Windows Speech Recognition" to launch the program. The Speech Recognition box will appear at the top of your screen.

2. Say "Start Listening" to activate the microphone. Launch your word processing program by saying the name of the program into the microphone. For example, if you have Microsoft Word say "Launch Word" or "Microsoft Word."

3. Dictate your text into the word processing screen. Include all punctuation and line breaks. For example, if you want the system to type "Dear Bob, I hope this letter finds you well." you need to say: "Dear Bob (comma) (new line) I hope this letter finds you well (period)"

4. Save your document by saying "Save" or clicking the save icon. Close your document by saying "Close."

Tips & Warnings

• Windows Speech Recognition may take several tries to learn your voice and speech pattern. The more you use it, the more the program will learn.

• Say "What can I Say" to launch the "Speech Reference Card." The "Speech Reference Card" is a cheat sheet with all the speech recognition commands.

References

• Microsoft Accessibility: Windows Speech Recognition
• Microsoft MSDN: Windows Vista Speech Recognition Step-by-Step Guide