Speaking to a computer
When speaking to other people, we are usually understood whether we speak slowly or quickly, loudly or softly. When speaking to a computer, however, it is better to speak in a more consistent tone. When you talk to your computer:
- Speak in a consistent, level tone. Speaking too loudly or too softly makes it difficult for the computer to interpret what was said.
- Use a consistent rate of speech; do not speak too slowly or too quickly.
- Speak without pausing between words; a phrase is easier for the computer to interpret than a single word.
Because we don't usually need to think about how we speak, it may seem a little awkward at first when you talk to your computer. With a little practice, however, speaking to your computer will become more natural.
Speech recognition tips
- Start by working in a quiet environment so that the computer hears you instead of the sounds around you.
- Use a good-quality close talk headset microphone.
- Keep the microphone in the same position; try not to move it around once it is adjusted.
- Train your computer to recognize your voice by reading aloud the prepared training text in the Microsoft Speech Recognition Training Wizard. Additional training increases speech recognition accuracy. Click Speech Tools
on the Language bar, and then click Training to perform speech training. - As you speak, don't be concerned if you don't see your words on the screen immediately. Continue speaking and pause at the end of each sentence. The computer will display the recognized text on the screen after it finishes processing your voice.
- Pronounce words clearly, but don't separate each syllable in a word. For example, sounding out each syllable in "e-nun-ci-ate" will make it more difficult for the computer to recognize what you've said.