I don't know about you, but I cannot type near as fast as I can talk. At best, I can type maybe 20 words per minute since I haven't taken a typing class in high school. On top of that I am dyslexic so I can't see everything I type. Luckily I found a wonderful tool that is compatible with a Mac computer. It is called Macspeech Dictate. I also have a PC and Dragon Naturally Speaking is available as well, I am just used to my Mac, so I am familiar with MacSpeech.
This software has made it possible for me to write my articles and very quickly. I still have the articles proofread for accuracy and clarity, but at 80-120 words per minute or as fast as I talk, that is pretty darn good. Even when I'm having periods of writer's block, it is still much faster than typing alone. I am going to give you a few tips for making the most out of this software.
The first step to getting set up for this software is the reading tutorials. I am dyslexic and have a stigmatism in both my eyes so this part took awhile to get set up. My husband read the starting tutorial and I repeated what he said with the headset on so that it picked up my voice. A good pair of a noise canceling headset such as a Logitech is recommended so that way no one in the background's voice is picked up.
After we got through with the initial voice recognition training, I was set to go and started speaking as it started typing. I was in tears as it read and typed what I was unable to do my entire life on paper. I couldn't wait to keep going and speaking as it typed very quickly.
You have to have some type of applications that allow you to save documents with spell-check and all of that. There is the choice between I-work and Microsoft Office for Mac which I prefer. Once you have one of these installed, you can begin dictating and have it type right into the document and then do a spell check and have someone read it aloud for clarity.
Make sure that you speak in a clear, fairly loud voice so that the software can understand you. I naturally have a soft voice, but I have learned to speak louder and clearer. You can also go through the more advanced voice training programs later so that the program becomes more familiar with your voice and speech style.
I recommend doing your homework before purchasing these programs. I have Dragon Naturally Speaking Standard Version 10, which doesn't read back what you type, but I was able to get it on E-bay for 40.00 and came with a headset, which is pretty affordable and a good value.
I believe once you find something that is in your budget and has the features you want, you'll be satisfied with your purchase. I know I am!
This software has made it possible for me to write my articles and very quickly. I still have the articles proofread for accuracy and clarity, but at 80-120 words per minute or as fast as I talk, that is pretty darn good. Even when I'm having periods of writer's block, it is still much faster than typing alone. I am going to give you a few tips for making the most out of this software.
The first step to getting set up for this software is the reading tutorials. I am dyslexic and have a stigmatism in both my eyes so this part took awhile to get set up. My husband read the starting tutorial and I repeated what he said with the headset on so that it picked up my voice. A good pair of a noise canceling headset such as a Logitech is recommended so that way no one in the background's voice is picked up.
After we got through with the initial voice recognition training, I was set to go and started speaking as it started typing. I was in tears as it read and typed what I was unable to do my entire life on paper. I couldn't wait to keep going and speaking as it typed very quickly.
You have to have some type of applications that allow you to save documents with spell-check and all of that. There is the choice between I-work and Microsoft Office for Mac which I prefer. Once you have one of these installed, you can begin dictating and have it type right into the document and then do a spell check and have someone read it aloud for clarity.
Make sure that you speak in a clear, fairly loud voice so that the software can understand you. I naturally have a soft voice, but I have learned to speak louder and clearer. You can also go through the more advanced voice training programs later so that the program becomes more familiar with your voice and speech style.
I recommend doing your homework before purchasing these programs. I have Dragon Naturally Speaking Standard Version 10, which doesn't read back what you type, but I was able to get it on E-bay for 40.00 and came with a headset, which is pretty affordable and a good value.
I believe once you find something that is in your budget and has the features you want, you'll be satisfied with your purchase. I know I am!
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