speech to text with word

How to use speech to text in Microsoft Word

Speech to text in Microsoft Word is a hidden gem that is powerful and easy to use. We show you how to do it in five quick and simple steps

Master the skill of speech to text in Microsoft Word and you'll be dictating documents with ease before you know it. Developed and refined over many years, Microsoft's speech recognition and voice typing technology is an efficient way to get your thoughts out, create drafts and make notes.

Just like the best speech to text apps that make life easier for us when we're using our phones, Microsoft's offering is ideal for those of us who spend a lot of time using Word and don't want to wear out our fingers or the keyboard with all that typing. While speech to text in Microsoft Word used to be prone to errors which you'd then have to go back and correct, the technology has come a long way in recent years and is now amongst the best text-to-speech software .

Regardless of whether you have the best computer or the best Windows laptop , speech to text in Microsoft Word is easy to access and a breeze to use. From connecting your microphone to inserting punctuation, you'll find everything you need to know right here in this guide. Let's take a look...

How to use speech to text in Microsoft Word: Preparation

The most important thing to check is whether you have a valid Microsoft 365 subscription, as voice typing is only available to paying customers. If you’re reading this article, it’s likely your business already has a Microsoft 365 enterprise subscription. If you don’t, however, find out more about Microsoft 365 for business via this link .

The second thing you’ll need before you start voice typing is a stable internet connection. This is because Microsoft Word’s dictation software processes your speech on external servers. These huge servers and lighting-fast processors use vast amounts of speech data to transcribe your text. In fact, they make use of advanced neural networks and deep learning technology, which enables the software to learn about human speech and continuously improve its accuracy.

These two technologies are the key reason why voice typing technology has improved so much in recent years, and why you should be happy that Microsoft dictation software requires an internet connection.

An image of how voice to text software works

Once you’ve got a valid Microsoft 365 subscription and an internet connection, you’re ready to go!

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Step 1: Open Microsoft Word

Simple but crucial. Open the Microsoft Word application on your device and create a new, blank document. We named our test document “How to use speech to text in Microsoft Word - Test” and saved it to the desktop so we could easily find it later.

Step 2: Click on the Dictate button

Once you’ve created a blank document, you’ll see a Dictate button and drop-down menu on the top right-hand corner of the Home menu. It has a microphone symbol above it. From here, open the drop-down menu and double-check that the language is set to English.

One of the best parts of Microsoft Word’s speech to text software is its support for multiple languages. At the time of writing, nine languages were supported, with several others listed as preview languages. Preview languages have lower accuracy and limited punctuation support.

Supported languages and preview languages screen

Step 3: Allow Microsoft Word access to the Microphone

If you haven’t used Microsoft Word’s speech to text software before, you’ll need to grant the application access to your microphone. This can be done at the click of a button when prompted.

It’s worth considering using an external microphone for your dictation, particularly if you plan on regularly using voice to text software within your organization. While built-in microphones will suffice for most general purposes, an external microphone can improve accuracy due to higher quality components and optimized placement of the microphone itself.

Step 4: Begin voice typing

Now we get to the fun stuff. After completing all of the above steps, click once again on the dictate button. The blue symbol will change to white, and a red recording symbol will appear. This means Microsoft Word has begun listening for your voice. If you have your sound turned up, a chime will also indicate that transcription has started.

Using voice typing is as simple as saying aloud the words you would like Microsoft to transcribe. It might seem a little strange at first, but you’ll soon develop a bit of flow, and everyone finds their strategies and style for getting the most out of the software.

These four steps alone will allow you to begin transcribing your voice to text. However, if you want to elevate your speech to text software skills, our fifth step is for you.

Step 5: Incorporate punctuation commands

Microsoft Word’s speech to text software goes well beyond simply converting spoken words to text. With the introduction and improvement of artificial neural networks, Microsoft’s voice typing technology listens not only to single words but to the phrase as a whole. This has enabled the company to introduce an extensive list of voice commands that allow you to insert punctuation marks and other formatting effects while speaking.

We can’t mention all of the punctuation commands here, but we’ll name some of the most useful. Saying the command “period” will insert a period, while the command “comma” will insert, unsurprisingly, a comma. The same rule applies for exclamation marks, colons, and quotations. If you’d like to finish a paragraph and leave a line break, you can say the command “new line.”

These tools are easy to use. In our testing, the software was consistently accurate in discerning words versus punctuation commands.

Phrase and output screen in Microsoft Word

Microsoft’s speech to text software is powerful. Having tested most of the major platforms, we can say that Microsoft offers arguably the best product when balancing cost versus performance. This is because the software is built directly into Microsoft 365, which many businesses already use. If this applies to your business, you can begin using Microsoft’s voice typing technology straight away, with no additional costs.

We hope this article has taught you how to use speech to text software in Microsoft Word, and that you’ll now be able to apply these skills within your organization.

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How to Record From Voice to Microsoft Word Text: A Step-by-Step Guide

Recording your voice and having it transcribed into text on Microsoft Word is a pretty nifty feature. It’s like having your very own secretary, without the coffee runs. It’s perfect for when you’re on the go and have a brilliant idea that just can’t wait. Or maybe typing isn’t your thing and you’d rather talk it out. Either way, it’s a simple process that can save you time and keep your ideas flowing.

Step by Step Tutorial on Recording From Voice to Microsoft Word Text

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s talk about what we’re trying to achieve here. We want to take your spoken words and turn them into written text on a Microsoft Word document. It might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s actually pretty straightforward with the right tools.

Step 1: Set up your microphone

First things first, you’ll need a good-quality microphone. Make sure it’s plugged in and set as your default recording device.

Setting up a microphone might seem daunting, but it’s usually as simple as plugging it into your computer. If you’re using a laptop, you might already have a built-in microphone. Just make sure it’s not covered or blocked by anything.

Step 2: Open Microsoft Word

Now that your microphone is ready to go, open up Microsoft Word on your computer.

You’ll need a relatively recent version of Word to use the voice transcription feature. If you’re running an older version, you might need to upgrade or find a different method for voice-to-text.

Step 3: Access the Dictate feature

Look for the ‘Dictate’ button in the Home tab on the ribbon. It’s usually near the top right of the screen.

The Dictate feature is powered by Microsoft’s speech recognition technology. It’s the same tech that powers Cortana, so you know it’s pretty smart.

Step 4: Start dictating

Click on ‘Dictate’ and wait for the red recording icon to appear. Then start speaking clearly and at a moderate pace.

Remember to enunciate and speak naturally. The software is good, but it’s not perfect. If you mumble or talk too fast, it might not catch everything.

Step 5: Edit the transcribed text

Once you’re done speaking, click the Dictate button again to stop recording. You can then edit the transcribed text as you would with any other text in Word.

The transcription isn’t always going to be 100% accurate. You’ll need to go through and make corrections, just like you would with a human transcriber.

After you’ve completed these steps, your spoken words should be neatly transcribed into text in your Microsoft Word document. You can then format, edit, and use the text just like any other text in Word.

Tips for Recording From Voice to Microsoft Word Text

Use a quiet room with minimal background noise to ensure the best transcription accuracy.
Speak at a steady, moderate pace and enunciate clearly to help the software understand you.
Use punctuation commands like “comma,” “period,” or “new paragraph” to format the text as you speak.
Review and edit the transcribed text carefully, as the software can make mistakes.
If you’re planning to record for a long time, take breaks to rest your voice and maintain clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use any microphone for voice-to-text in microsoft word.

You can, but for the best results, use a high-quality microphone that’s designed for voice recording.

Is voice-to-text in Word available on all versions?

The Dictate feature is available in Microsoft 365 and the most recent versions of Word. If you have an older version, you might not have access to this feature.

Can I use voice-to-text in Microsoft Word on my phone or tablet?

Yes, the mobile versions of Word also support voice transcription. The process might be slightly different, but the basic steps are the same.

How accurate is the voice-to-text transcription in Microsoft Word?

It’s pretty accurate, but it’s not perfect. You’ll need to review and edit the text to correct any mistakes the software might make.

Can I dictate in languages other than English?

Yes, Microsoft Word’s Dictate feature supports multiple languages. Just make sure you’ve set your language preferences correctly before you start dictating.

Set up your microphone and make sure it’s the default recording device.
Open Microsoft Word on your computer.
Access the Dictate feature in the Home tab.
Start dictating your speech.
Edit the transcribed text.

Recording your voice directly into Microsoft Word can save you a ton of time and keep your ideas flowing without interruption. Imagine being able to brainstorm and get your thoughts down on paper (or screen, in this case) without having to stop and type everything out. With the simple steps outlined above, you’ll be turning your spoken word into text in no time.

Keep in mind that while technology is a fantastic tool, it’s not without its quirks. You’ll need to speak clearly and possibly make some edits to the transcribed text. But don’t let that deter you. With a little practice, you’ll be a voice-to-text pro. And who knows? This could completely change your workflow, making you more productive than ever. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how recording from voice to Microsoft Word text can elevate your document-creation game.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

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How to use speech-to-text on Microsoft Word to write and edit with your voice

You can use speech-to-text on Microsoft Word through the "Dictate" feature.
With Microsoft Word's "Dictate" feature, you can write using a microphone and your own voice.
When you use Dictate, you can say "new line" to create a new paragraph and add punctuation simply by saying the punctuation aloud.
If you're not satisfied with Word's built-in speech-to-text feature, you can use a third-party program like Dragon Home.
Visit Business Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

While typing is certainly the most common way to create and edit documents in Microsoft Word , you're not limited to using a keyboard.

Word supports speech-to-text, which lets you dictate your writing using voice recognition.

Speech-to-text in Word is convenient and surprisingly accurate, and can help anyone who has issues typing with a typical keyboard.

You can use speech-to-text in Microsoft Word in the same way on both Mac and PC.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Apple macbook pro (from $1,299.00 at apple), acer chromebook 15 (from $179.99 at walmart), how to use speech-to-text on word using dictate.

Make sure you have a microphone connected to your computer. This can be built-in, like on a laptop, or a separate mic that you plug into the USB or audio jack.

It doesn't matter which type you use, though the best kind of mic to use is a headset, as it won't need to compete with as much background noise as a built-in microphone.

1. In Microsoft Word, make sure you're in the "Home" tab at the top of the screen, and then click "Dictate."

2. You should hear a beep, and the dictate button will change to include a red recording light. It's now listening for your dictation.

3. Speak clearly, and Word should transcribe everything you say in the current document. Speak punctuation aloud as you go. You can also say "New line," which has the same effect as pressing the Enter or Return key on the keyboard.

4. When you're done dictating, click "Dictate" a second time or turn it off using your voice by saying, "Turn the dictate feature off."

You can still type with the keyboard while Dictate is on, but if you click outside of Word or switch to another program, Dictate will turn itself off.

Want to change languages? You can click the downward arrow on the Dictate button to choose which of nine or so languages you want to speak. You might also see additional "Preview Languages," which are still in beta and may have lower accuracy.

Speech-to-text alternatives

You're not limited to using the Dictate feature built into Word. While not as popular as they once were, there are several commercial speech-to-text apps available which you can use with Word.

The most popular of these, Dragon Home , performs the same kind of voice recognition as Word's Dictate, but it also lets you control Word, format text, and make edits to your text using your voice. It works with nearly any program, not just Word.

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How to use speech-to-text on a windows computer to quickly dictate text without typing, you can use text-to-speech in the kindle app on an ipad using an accessibility feature— here's how to turn it on, how to use text-to-speech on discord, and have the desktop app read your messages aloud, how to use google text-to-speech on your android phone to hear text instead of reading it, 2 ways to lock a windows computer from your keyboard and quickly secure your data.

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Main content

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word

Great for writing speeches or your autobiography

Most people can speak faster than they can type. Take advantage of this superpower by dictating your documents! Using speech-to-text is a great way to quickly get your thoughts down in writing. We’ll show you how to dictate documents in Microsoft Word on a computer or your smartphone.

If you use the Mac or Windows desktop version of Word, you won’t find the dictate button unless you subscribe to Microsoft 365. However, you can use the free Microsoft Word web app or smartphone apps to dictate to your heart’s desire. We’ll assume you have a good internet connection and a device with a microphone enabled.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 1

How to Use Dictation in Word on Macs, PCs, or the Web

The steps for dictating documents in Word are largely the same, no matter whether you’re using the desktop app or the browser-based version.

Launch the Word app, either the desktop app on your Mac or PC or the web app in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 2

In the Home menu, select the microphone icon.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 3

If prompted, select the button to Allow the use of your microphone.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 4

Web app users will see a toolbar with controls for your microphone. Select the microphone icon to begin dictating.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 5

Once the microphone icon is activated, you can begin speaking, and you’ll see your words appear in the Word document.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 6

Web users can select the gear icon on the dictation toolbar to choose the spoken language, select which microphone device they want to use, and toggle auto-punctuation and the profanity filter on or off.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 7

You can use your keyboard or Word’s suggestions to edit your document without needing to turn the microphone off.
When you’re finished, you can exit dictation by selecting Close ( X ) in the dictation toolbar or pressing the microphone button on the ribbon again.

That’s enough to get started with dictating a Word document on a computer. But keep reading for some expert tips and tricks.

How to Use Dictation on Your Smartphone’s Word App

Smartphones are made for dictation. You might feel strange talking to yourself, but it’s certainly faster than using your phone’s tiny keyboard.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 8

Start with a new Word document or open an existing one. Tap the screen where you want to start dictating, and then select the microphone icon. You can choose the microphone icon inside the Word app itself or the icon on your soft keyboard. Either one will work.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 9

The benefit of using the Word app’s microphone icon is that you’ll have access to some other dictation tools. You’ll see a toolbar with standard punctuation, a spacebar, and a carriage return (new line) button. Sometimes it’s easier to tap those buttons than it is to use voice commands.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 10

You’ll also have access to the gear icon to adjust the settings like the spoken language, auto punctuation, and the profanity filter.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 11

The first time you select the microphone icon in the Word app, you may be prompted to grant Word permission to record audio on your phone. You can choose to either allow it every time you use the app or only this time.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 12

At any point, you can always select the Help button, where you’ll find information on all the voice commands you can use.

Tips and Tricks for Dictating in Microsoft Word

Sure, you can dictate the text of a Word document, but did you know about all the other things you can do in Word with voice commands? You can use your voice to edit, format, create lists, and add a comment.

Punctuation Tips & Tricks

You’ll get used to saying the names of punctuation marks and symbols when you dictate.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 13

Add punctuation simply by saying the name of the punctuation mark you want to insert. You can say things like period , comma , new line , and apostrophe .
Say open quotes and close quotes .
You can say ellipsis or dot dot dot … it’s up to you!
For punctuation like parentheses, brackets, and braces, you can say either left or open bracket (or parentheses or brace) and either right or close bracket (or parentheses or brace).
If it’s a character, you can probably dictate it. Try commands like asterisk , m-dash , copyright sign , and degree symbol .

Editing Tips & Tricks

Think of it this way. You’re the boss and Word is your employee. Just tell Word what you want it to do.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 14

If you say delete , Word will delete the last word or punctuation mark that appears before the cursor.
If you say delete that , it’ll remove the last thing you said.
You can tell Word to delete a specific word in the middle of a sentence. For example, let’s say you dictated, “You can’t judge a book by its awful cover.” You could say delete awful , and then you’d be left with “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”
Rather than saying backspace repeatedly to go back several spaces, you can just say backspace [1-100] . In other words, you can say backspace twenty .
If you make a mistake, you can always say undo .

Formatting Tips & Tricks

Like the editing tips, you can use voice commands to add formatting to specific words or phrases.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 15

For simple formatting like bold , italics , underline , and strikethrough , you can pair those commands with words or phrases in your document. For example, in the screencap below, we said, “ bold phrases ,” and it did!
To undo all the formatting from the document, say clear all formatting .
Use the align command to align your text left, right, or center.
If you’re not sure a particular command exists, try it and find out. For example, you can say, underline last sentence , and Word will know exactly what you mean.
Creating lists is easy with commands like start list , start numbered list , and exit list .

Bonus Dictation Tips & Tricks

Before you go, check out these final dictation tips and tricks.

How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word image 16

Say add comment to create a blank comment box that you can type into.
Even better, say something like add comment I love this paragraph period , and it will insert a comment with the text “I love this paragraph.”
Dictate currency symbols. You can say dollar sign , pound sterling sign (don’t forget the “sterling” or it will insert the # sign), euro sign , or yen sign .
Insert common emojis like smiley face , winky face , heart emoji , or frowny face .

If you know of any more dictation commands in Microsoft Word, leave them in the comments!

Maggie Marystone is a freelance technology writer, human rights worker, and storyteller based in Chicago. Read Maggie's Full Bio

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Speechnotes is a reliable and secure web-based speech-to-text tool that enables you to quickly and accurately transcribe & translate your audio and video recordings, as well as dictate your notes instead of typing, saving you time and effort. With features like voice commands for punctuation and formatting, automatic capitalization, and easy import/export options, Speechnotes provides an efficient and user-friendly dictation and transcription experience. Proudly serving millions of users since 2015, Speechnotes is the go-to tool for anyone who needs fast, accurate & private transcription. Our Portfolio of Complementary Speech-To-Text Tools Includes:

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Speechnotes is a powerful speech-enabled online notepad, designed to empower your ideas by implementing a clean & efficient design, so you can focus on your thoughts. We strive to provide the best online dictation tool by engaging cutting-edge speech-recognition technology for the most accurate results technology can achieve today, together with incorporating built-in tools (automatic or manual) to increase users' efficiency, productivity and comfort. Works entirely online in your Chrome browser. No download, no install and even no registration needed, so you can start working right away.

Speechnotes is especially designed to provide you a distraction-free environment. Every note, starts with a new clear white paper, so to stimulate your mind with a clean fresh start. All other elements but the text itself are out of sight by fading out, so you can concentrate on the most important part - your own creativity. In addition to that, speaking instead of typing, enables you to think and speak it out fluently, uninterrupted, which again encourages creative, clear thinking. Fonts and colors all over the app were designed to be sharp and have excellent legibility characteristics.

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Speechnotes is powered by the leading most accurate speech recognition AI engines by Google & Microsoft. We always check - and make sure we still use the best. Accuracy in English is very good and can easily reach 95% accuracy for good quality dictation or recording.

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Both Speechnotes dictation & transcription are lightweight-online no install, work out of the box anywhere you are. Dictation works in real time. Transcription will get you results in a matter of minutes.

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Super private - no human handles, sees or listens to your recordings! In addition, we take great measures to protect your privacy. For example, for transcribing your recordings - we pay Google's speech to text engines extra - just so they do not keep your audio for their own research purposes.

Health advantages

Typing may result in different types of Computer Related Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI). Voice typing is one of the main recommended ways to minimize these risks, as it enables you to sit back comfortably, freeing your arms, hands, shoulders and back altogether.

Saves you time

Need to transcribe a recording? If it's an hour long, transcribing it yourself will take you about 6! hours of work. If you send it to a transcriber - you will get it back in days! Upload it to Speechnotes - it will take you less than a minute, and you will get the results in about 20 minutes to your email.

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Speechnotes dictation notepad is completely free - with ads - or a small fee to get it ad-free. Speechnotes transcription is only $0.1/minute, which is X10 times cheaper than a human transcriber! We offer the best deal on the market - whether it's the free dictation notepad ot the pay-as-you-go transcription service.

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We at Speechnotes, Speechlogger, TextHear, Speechkeys value your privacy, and that's why we do not store anything you say or type or in fact any other data about you - unless it is solely needed for the purpose of your operation. We don't share it with 3rd parties, other than Google / Microsoft for the speech-to-text engine.

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The results of the dictation are saved locally on your machine - via the browser's / app's local storage. It never gets to our servers. So, as long as your device is private - your notes are private.

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How-To Geek

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Microsoft Office vs. Google Docs, Sheets, Slides: Which Is Best?

These 14 linux commands helped me become a better troubleshooter, pixel buds pro 2 vs. pixel buds pro: are the new earbuds worth the premium, quick links, dictate a document on your desktop, dictate a document on the web, dictate a document on your mobile device.

Whether out of necessity or convenience, you can give your keyboard a break and dictate a document in Microsoft Word. You can use the feature in the desktop app, Word for the web, and in the mobile app.

You will need a Microsoft 365 subscription in order to dictate. If you're using Microsoft Office , you may not have the dictation feature. 365 for the web, however, is free for anyone with a Microsoft account.

With your computer's internal microphone, or with a USB microphone in hand, you can dictate your document in Word on both Windows and Mac. Head to the Home tab and click "Dictate."

When the microphone icon appears, you can drag to move it anywhere you like. Click the icon to begin dictating, click again to stop or pause. You can also say "Pause dictation" or "Stop dictation" and can click the icon to resume.

To enable auto-punctuation, change the dialect, or filter sensitive language, click the gear icon to open the Settings.

If you need help with what you can say for things like punctuation, symbols, making corrections, or controlling dictation, click the question mark icon near the microphone to open the Help sidebar.

To stop using dictation , click the "X" in the corner of the icon's window to close it.

Related: How to Use Voice Dictation on Windows 10

The web version of Microsoft Word is free, as long as you have a Microsoft account . The dictation feature is currently available when using Edge, Firefox, Chrome, and Brave web browsers .

Visit Microsoft Word for the web , sign in, and open your document or create a new one. Go to the Home tab and click the Dictate icon. If it's your first time using the feature, you'll be prompted to allow access to your microphone .

Just like in the desktop application, you'll see a small microphone icon at the bottom. You can move the icon by dragging it. Simply click the icon and begin speaking.

You can pause or stop by clicking the icon again or by saying, "Pause dictation" or "Stop dictation." Then click the icon to continue when you're ready.

To adjust the language, microphone, or other options, click the gear icon near the microphone icon to open the Dictation Settings. Make your changes and click "OK" to save them.

For help with what you can say or specific commands for controlling dictation, click the question mark icon to open the Help panel on the right.

When you finish using dictation, click the "X" in the corner of the icon's window to close it.

Related: How to See Which Apps Are Using Your Microphone on Windows 10

If you use Word on your Android device, iPhone, or iPad, dictation can be handy, especially when you're on-the-go. Open your document and tap the microphone icon.

Begin speaking, tap the icon to pause or stop, or say "Pause dictation" or "Stop dictation" just like the desktop and web applications .

To change the settings, tap the gear icon. Make your adjustments and tap the X to save them and return to your document.

For additional help with dictation on your mobile device , tap the question mark icon.

To stop dictating and type instead, simply tap the keyboard icon.

If you enjoy using the dictation feature in Microsoft Word, be sure to check out how to transcribe audio in Word too.

Related: How to Use Microsoft Word's Hidden Transcription Feature

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Microsoft 365 saves you time and effort with transcription and voice commands in Word

Dan Parish, Partner Group Product Manager
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Harness the power of your voice

Now more than ever, we’re all very busy—juggling family, work, friends, and whatever else life throws our way. New enhancements in Office leverage the Azure Cognitive Services AI platform so you can harness the power of your voice to spend less time and energy creating your best work and focus on what matters most.

Save time and create great content using Transcribe in Word for the web

Whether you’re a reporter conducting interviews, a researcher recording focus group sessions, or an online entrepreneur recording informal discussions, you want to be able to focus on the people you’re talking to without worrying about taking notes and without having to spend hours transcribing your conversations after-the-fact. If that sounds like you, Transcribe in Word is here to help.

Now you can record your conversations directly in Word for the web and transcribe them automatically. Transcribe detects different speakers so after you finish recording, you can easily follow the flow of the transcript. After your conversation, you can revisit parts of the recording by playing back the time-stamped audio and you can even edit the transcript if you see something amiss.

Your transcript will appear alongside the Word document, along with the recording, which enables you to leverage your transcript to create great content in the way that is best for you. Say you want to pull the perfect quote from an interview to support the main point of your story—just click the plus icon on any line of the transcript and voila, the exact quote is inserted. Want to send the entire transcript to your colleague? Simply click “add all to document” and your full transcript will be laid out in Word.

Like many people, you might use a variety of tools to get the job done – that’s why Transcribe enables you to upload audio or videos you recorded outside of Word. Whether you record on your phone or via one of the many calling and video conferencing apps, you can simply select the file to upload and transcribe. Transcribe supports .mp3, .wav, .m4a, or .mp4 files.

Transcribe in Word is available today in Word for the web for all Microsoft 365 subscribers and is supported in the new Microsoft Edge or Chrome browsers. With Transcribe you are completely unlimited in how much you can record and transcribe within Word for the Web. Currently, there is a five hour limit per month for uploaded recordings and each uploaded recording is limited to 200mb. Transcribe in Office mobile will be coming by the end of the year! Currently, transcribing audio into English (EN-US) is the only language supported, but we are working on support for more languages.

Transcribe in Word enables you to stay focused on your conversation in the moment, saves you valuable time and energy by transcribing it for you, and is integrated into Word so you can focus on the message of your document and not fuss around with different windows or applications.

Break away from the keyboard using dictation with voice commands

Since Dictate arrived on the scene, millions of people have leveraged the power of their voice to conquer the blank page. Whether you’re stuck waiting in the car to pick up takeout, on a short walk to stretch your legs, have a temporary or permanent disability that makes typing difficult, or you just think better when on the move, you need flexibility to transition throughout your day while getting everything done. We’ve been adding voice commands to Dictate so that you can break away from the keyboard. Whether on desktop or mobile (or transitioning between devices), you can stay in the flow and focus on your message by using dictation with voice commands to add, format, edit, and organize your text.

Say things like “start list” or “bold last sentence” to let your ideas flow without stopping to adjust your text. Voice commands understand a variety of symbols so you can add things like “ampersand” and “percent sign”, and you don’t have to sound like a robot! We’ve based commands on the way people naturally talk so that you can capture your ideas easily. So saying things like “dot dot dot” when you can’t remember “ellipses” works just as well.

Since you’re constantly juggling work and life, you may get that phone call you’ve been waiting for while working on your paper. There’s no need to rush to the keyboard in a panic. Simply say “pause dictation” and take the call. Working with others in the document? You can collaborate using your voice too—say “add comment [with your content here]” and capture your message in one shot without missing a beat.

Dictation can also help with informal writing as well—sometimes a message needs some personality! You can now say things like “smiley face” or “heart emoji” to give your message that little extra touch. Check out this article for a list of all the voice commands.

Dictate with voice commands in Word is available in Word for the web and Office mobile for free when signed into your Microsoft account. Voice commands are coming to Word desktop and Word for Mac apps towards the end of the year for Microsoft 365 subscribers.

We hope these new voice capabilities save you time and allow you the flexibility you require as you move throughout your busy day!

Home » Tech Tips » Apps » How to Use Voice Typing in Microsoft Word Windows and Mac?

How to Use Voice Typing in Microsoft Word Windows and Mac?

Preparing a long document by typing word by word can easily make you boring. Microsoft Word being a most popular documentation software offers simple solution to overcome this situation. It is called “Dictate” feature which helps to convert your speech to text and type on the document. You can use voice typing in Microsoft Word without touching keyboard and finish the document quickly. After finishing the document, you can use Editor to check spelling and grammar to correct mistakes before sharing the document with others.

Voice Typing in Microsoft Word

Before explaining the function in Word, here are the things you should understand.

Voice typing or dictate function needs internet connection. This means, your voice input is sent to Microsoft and processed for converting to text. Though Microsoft claims they do not store any voice data, you should be aware of this and avoid using dictation for preparing confidential documents.
The function is available in both Windows and Mac versions of Word as part of Microsoft 365 subscription.
You do not need to activate voice typing and is available as an in-built feature in Word. Similarly, you also do not need any additional configurations in system level.
Dictate feature in Word is different than “Voice typing” accessibility feature in Windows operating system and “Dictation” feature in macOS.

Considering voice typing or dictation is part of both operating system and Word, here are the possible ways to use in Word:

Dictate feature in Word for Windows
Voice typing feature in Windows OS
Dictate feature in Word for Mac
Dictation feature in macOS

1. Use Voice Typing in Word Windows Version (Dictate)

It is super easy to start using dictation in Word.

Open a blank Word document and go to “Home” tab.
Click on “Dictate” icon from the ribbon to open a toolbar menu.

Click the microphone icon in the toolbar and start speaking. Word will automatically recognize your voice input and start converting to text in your document. However, make sure you have stable internet connection for this to work faster.

Dictation Working in Word Windows Version

For configuring the dictation, click on the gear icon in the toolbar. You have options to select the language, microphone device , adjust volume, enable auto-punctuation and filter sensitive phrases. If you make changes, make sure to click “Save” button to apply your settings.

Configure Dictation Settings in Word Windows

2. Use Windows Voice Typing in Word

As mentioned above, Windows has a separate feature called voice typing. This works similar as Word dictation and generate text output from voice or audio input. Earlier, you should setup external microphone and configure voice recognition for using Windows voice typing feature. Now, you can simply start using the feature by using a keyboard shortcut on any text input screen.

Open your Word document and press “Win + H” keys.
This will open a toolbar showing a microphone, settings and help icons.
Click the microphone icon and start using voice typing similar to dictation feature in Word.

For configuring the voice typing, click on the gear icon and change your settings.

3. Use Voice Typing in Word for Mac (Dictate)

Word for Mac ( Microsoft 365 subscription ) also has a similar setup like Windows version.

When you are in Word document, go to “Home” tab and click on “Dictate” icon in the ribbon.

On the pop-up that appears, click on the microphone icon and start talking.
Word will convert your speech to text and start typing on the document.
Click on the gear icon to configure the dictate options. Here you can switch the language , select different microphone, set input volume level, enable auto-punctuation and enable avoiding sensitive content while text conversion process.

Configure Dictation Settings in Word for Mac

4. Using macOS Dictation Feature in Word

Mac comes with a “Dictation” feature similar to Windows voice typing. This is by default enabled and you can check and configure the settings if required.

Click on the Apple logo menu and select “System Preferences…” option.
Go to “Keyboard” section and then click “Dictation” tab.

Make sure “Dictation” is “On”, select the language and check the keyboard shortcut keys . By default, pressing function key twice will open dictation feature in Mac.
Launch Word app to open a blank document and press Fn key twice on your keyboard.
This will show the microphone and you cat start speaking.
Mac will convert your speech to text and type on the document.

Using System Dictation Function in macOS Word

Remember that when using dictation, Mac will send your voice inputs, contacts and location information to Apple for processing and converting to readable text.

Voice Typing Commands for Word

As we tested, voice typing and dictation features work very well with all the above options for converting your speech to text. However, the problem is that you should understand some basic commands for using these features.

For example, you need to say “full stop” or “period” to end a sentence and “next line” to start a new line when using “Dictate” in Word. Most of these command also work with voice typing feature in all Windows apps.
However, these commands are slightly different when using “Dictation” feature in macOS. For example, the command for creating a new line with macOS dictation feature is “new line” and using “next line” command will not work.

Below are the links to get complete list of voice typing commands from official Microsoft and Apple documentations.

Dictate commands for Word Windows
Dictate command for Word for Mac
Voice typing commands for Windows OS
Dictation commands for macOS

Final Words

We strongly recommend using the “Dictate” feature which comes as part of Word app. This function does not need internet connection and your voice input is not sent to Microsoft/Apple for processing. In case, if you are not comfortable using Word feature, then you can use the system wide “Voice typing” in Windows or “Dictation” in Mac. However, this needs a stable internet connection and your voice input is sent to Microsoft/Apple for processing. In either case, make sure to go through the voice typing/dictation commands and familiarize yourself before using the function.

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How to Convert Speech to Text in Microsoft Word

Knowing how to use dictation in Word and the Microsoft text-to-speech features can be helpful. Using these features can improve accessibility and save you time. The Microsoft text-to-speech feature will read out loud any text you type into your document.

This premium resume template is from Envato Elements.

It's helpful to visually impaired people who may have trouble reading the text. It can also help busy people who receive a lot of documents because they can listen to their documents while doing other things. The dictation in Word feature can help those who can type easily create a document.

In this article, we look at the benefits of voice typing, and we’ll cover how to use text-to-speech and dictation in Word.

Jump to content in this section:

The Benefits of Voice Typing

How to use microsoft text-to-speech, how to use the microsoft word read aloud feature., the best source for microsoft word templates (with unlimited use), learn more about word, microsoft word faq.

Microsoft Word dictation can help a lot of different people. For example, the voice typing feature can help is people with disabilities.

“TTS technology can be used to read text from websites, eBooks, and other digital content, allowing individuals to access information and entertainment in a way that was previously unavailable to them.” ( disabilityhorizons.com )

Some of the benefits of voice typing for people with disabilities are that:

It can help people with visual impairments because it provides an alternative to reading printed text.
It can also help those with dyslexia, helping them understand and retain information.
This feature can also help people who have physical disabilities and have trouble using a mouse or keyboard.

Those are just some of the ways that voice typing can help. It's also very convenient.

Text-to-speech can help people who don’t have time to read a document because it allows them to listen to it. For example, if a student has a long commute, they can listen to a Word document on the way to school.

Another benefit of text-to-speech is that if you don’t speak the language of your target market, you can turn your written text into spoken language in multiple languages.

Now that we’ve covered the benefits let’s look at how to dictate in Word and how to use Text-to-speech.

Let's get started on using Text-to-Speech in Microsoft Word.

1. Use a Template

The CV Resume template is from Envato Elements.

For this post we'll be working with CV Resume Template . It's a Microsoft Word premium template from Envato Elements.

This template has a cover letter and business card matching the resume. Everything in the resume is easily editable. CV Resume Template also has a modern and creative design that'll work for any job that you want to apply to.

2. Make Sure You've Got the Right Equipment

Before you learn about Microsoft Word dictation, you need to have the following:

microphone-enabled device or an external microphone
Microsoft account where you’re able to access Word
stable internet connection
quiet environment

3. How to Turn on Dictation

Here's how to enable voice typing.

The first step in enabling voice typing in Microsoft Word is to open a new or existing document.

Next, click on Home , then on the Dictate button. You'll be asked if the app can access your microphone. Click OK . This turns the dictation in Word on. It'll start listening for your voice. Now you can talk and what you say appears as text in MS Word.

When you press the dictate button a menu appears.

4. How to Add Punctuation

When using the voice typing feature, you can say specific phrases that Windows speech recognition will recognize. If you say these phrases, Word will put punctuation in your document. Here are some of the phrases you can use:

Phrases	Output
Period, full stop	.
Comma	,
Question Mark	?
Exclamation Mark/Point	!
New line	New Line
Apostrophe-s	's
Colon	:
Semicolon	;
Open Quotes	"
Close Quotes	"
Hyphen	-
Ellipsis, Dot Dot Dot	...
Left/Open Parentheses	(
Right/Close Parentheses	)
Left/Open Bracket	[
Right/Close Bracket	]
Left/Open Brace	{
Right/Close Brace	}

Punctuation is essential. Knowing these phrases can help you to have proper punctuation in your document.

5. How to Edit

You can even edit your document using the speech-to-text feature. Use editing commands in speech-to-text Word to make your document look the way you want. Here are the editing phrases you can say in the dictation in Word:


Backspace (1-100)
Delete (Word or Phrase)
Delete Last/Previous (1-100) Characters/Words
Delete Last/Previous [1-100] Sentences/Paragraphs
Delete Next [1-100] Characters/Words
Delete Next [1-100] Sentences/Paragraphs
Delete, Scratch, or Erase
Delete That or Scratch That
Insert Space
Undo

6. How to Stop Dictation

You can turn the dictate in Word feature off in three ways:

You can press the Dictate button to stop the voice typing.
Click on the X in the menu bar to remove the dictation menu.
You can say "Pause Dictation".

That's all there is to it! You can start using speech-to-text on your next MS Word document.

Here’s how to use the Microsoft Word Text-to-Speech feature to read to you:

1. Listen With Read Aloud

Click on the Review tab in the menu bar. Select Read Aloud .

Once you click on the Read Aloud button, a popup appears with the Play , Previous , Next , and Settings icons.

To have the text be read aloud, press the Play icon. To pause the reading, press the Pause icon. Press the Previous or Next icon to move from one paragraph to another.

2. Change the Read Aloud Settings

To change the read-aloud settings, click on the Settings icon. Once you click on the Settings icon, a popup displays.

Slide the slider bar in to change the reading speed. To change the voice, click on the arrow under Voice Selection . When you click the arrow, a menu with all the different voice options drops down.

3. Exit Microsoft Word Read-Aloud

To exit the read-aloud feature, press the X in the upper left of the Read Aloud popup.

Envato Elements has thousands of premium templates . To gain access to the templates, all you need to do is become a subscriber. When you become a subscriber, you gain access to premium Word templates, fonts, images, audio, and much more.

Explore Templates Now

It's a great value because professionals make every template look professional and stylish. Just because you're using a template doesn’t mean you must give up on customization. A good template is easily customizable.

A premium template saves you time because you start with a stylish base. Typically, a base has text placeholders and image placeholders. Most even have labeled sections, making developing ideas for your document easier. So, try taking advantage of this great deal by signing up for Envato Elements.

Have questions about Microsoft Word? Read these articles to learn more:

Whether you're a seasoned MS Word pro or just getting started, you probably have some questions. Here are some common Microsoft Word questions and answers:

1. What Skills Do I Need to Use Microsoft Word Like A Pro?

There are twelve essential skills that you should know in Microsoft Word. These skills will help you take advantage of all of Word’s features. For an in-depth look at these skills, read this article:

2. How Do I Recover My Microsoft Word Document?

Microsoft Word has two features that can help you in this situation. They're the AutoSave and AutoRecover features. These features prevent the loss of your document. To read more about these features, study this article:

3. How Do I Check the Word Count in Microsoft Word?

There are a couple of different ways you can check the word count. You can see the word count in the status bar or ribbon or use a keyboard shortcut. To find out more information about how to check the word count in Microsoft Word, read this tutorial:

4. How Do I Quickly Print My Document?

You can print your document through the menu or use a shortcut. Both options allow you to print your document quickly. To read more about how to print your document quickly, read this tutorial:

5. How Do I Add Comments to a Microsoft Word Document?

Comments can help you collaborate on a document easily. Part of adding a comment to a document is using the tracking changes feature. To learn more, read this in-depth tutorial:

Try These Microsoft Word Features Today!

Microsoft text-to-speech and dictation in Word are helpful features that can help everyone. Whether you've got a disability or just want to multitask, these features can help you.

To save even more time, download a premium Microsoft Word template . The best place for premium templates and other assets is Envato Elements. Sign up today to get unlimited access.

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How to use speech-to-text on microsoft word 2013.

In the digital age, technology is a huge part of our lives. It makes tasks simpler and more efficient. For example, Microsoft Word 2013 has a speech-to-text feature. This lets users turn spoken words into written text quickly and easily.

Imagine a world where you can dictate your words, ideas and documents into Microsoft Word without typing. With its cutting-edge voice recognition technology, speech-to-text on Microsoft Word 2013 makes this possible.

No more struggling with typing speed or spending hours crafting documents. Just speak your mind and watch it appear on the screen. This saves time and allows ideas to flow freely.

To get started, you need a microphone connected to your computer. Go to the “Insert” tab in Microsoft Word 2013 , click on “Speech” and select “Start Speech Recognition”. Then, follow the prompts to calibrate the microphone.

Once it’s set up, you can click the microphone icon in the toolbar and start using speech-to-text. Your words will be turned into text with great accuracy. You can also use traditional keyboard input to make corrections or edit the text.

The speech-to-text feature on Microsoft Word 2013 has many benefits. For people with disabilities or those who have difficulty typing, it removes barriers and helps them express themselves more easily. Professionals can also benefit from it, as they can dictate their thoughts while focusing on other tasks. This increases efficiency and makes work processes smoother.

Understanding Speech to Text Technology

Speech to Text technology has changed the way we interact with our devices. It converts spoken words to written text, providing efficient communication and data entry. Knowing how to use Speech to Text on Microsoft Word 2013 can boost productivity, even if you have a physical disability or simply prefer speaking.

The Speech to Text feature on Microsoft Word 2013 means no more typing. Just speak into the mic and watch your words appear on the screen. Advanced algorithms accurately transcribe your speech and reduce errors.

To use it, open a document, click the “Dictation” button in the “Home” tab, click the mic icon and start talking. Speak clearly and use commands like “new paragraph” or “comma” for formatting. Click the mic icon or say “stop dictating” to end the session.

Speech to Text technology has been around for decades. Early attempts were unsuccessful due to technical challenges. But, machine learning algorithms and data processing have made it incredibly accurate and accessible.

Enabling Speech to Text on Microsoft Word 2013

Speech to text is a cool feature on Microsoft Word 2013 ! To get started, do these steps:

Open Microsoft Word 2013 .
Click the “File” tab in the top left corner.
Choose “Options” from the drop-down menu.
In the Word Options window, click on “Customize Ribbon”.
Next to “Dictation”, check the box and then click “OK”.

You can now use speech to text on Microsoft Word 2013 . Plus, you can customize the language settings to match your accent for more accurate transcription.

Fun fact: According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) , speech recognition software like Microsoft Word 2013’s speech to text can help those with hearing impairments.

Why not give it a go and make your writing easier with speech to text on Microsoft Word 2013 ?

Using Speech to Text on Microsoft Word 2013

To use speech recognition in Microsoft Word 2013, follow these steps:

Open Microsoft Word 2013.
Click the “Review” tab.
In the “Speech” section, click “Start Speech Recognition” .
A window with a mic icon will appear; click the mic icon to start listening.
Enunciate each word as you speak clearly into the microphone.
Word will transcribe your words in real-time.
Save time and effort using speech recognition for written text!
Keep in mind accuracy may not be perfect; you may need to correct words/phrases.
Thanks to research and development, speech recognition technology has made great strides!

Tips for Efficiently Using Speech to Text on Microsoft Word 2013

Speech to Text is a great feature from Microsoft Word 2013. To get the most out of it, here are some tips:

Invest in a good microphone. This will give you clear and noise-free audio input.
Speak clearly and enunciate each word.
Use the voice commands for formatting.
Remember to proofread and edit afterwards.
Speech to Text supports multiple languages.
You can train the software to learn your voice patterns and pronunciation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Speech to Text on Microsoft Word 2013

Sarah had a mission: to use Speech to Text on Microsoft Word 2013 for increased productivity. But, obstacles arose, like low accuracy and misinterpreted words. She asked for help from IT support who advised her to change the settings of her mic and invest in a noise-canceling headset. This worked! Sarah could now easily transcribe documents with Speech to Text tech.

You too can overcome issues with Speech to Text and Microsoft Word 2013 . First, ensure your mic is connected and functioning properly. Then, adjust settings in Word to select the correct input device. If accuracy is low, try changing the mic’s placement or speaking more clearly and slowly. Additionally, train the software by reading out passages from books or articles. Finally, minimize noise distractions or use noise-canceling headphones.

It’s also essential to note that updating your version of Microsoft Word 2013 may help resolve certain problems, and checking for any conflicting applications running in the background. Take cues from Sarah’s story, and you’ll be able to troubleshoot common Speech to Text issues like a pro!

Wrapping up, speech-to-text on Microsoft Word 2013 is a great way to create documents. It helps you to dictate your thoughts and the software will turn them into text. This feature saves time and effort as it eliminates manual typing.

It also benefits those with disabilities or those who prefer dictation. It encourages inclusivity and accessibility.

Moreover, MS Word 2013’s speech-to-text offers customization options. You can choose language preferences and train the software to recognize your voice.

This function is powered by Microsoft Research’s advanced voice recognition tech. They strive to improve their algorithms for better accuracy in capturing words.

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Melania Trump’s one-word text that caused ex-aide to quit shared during fiery DNC speech

Donald Trump ’s former White House press secretary took the stage at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday night and shared the brutal one-word message from Melania in the wake of the January 6 insurrection that caused her to quit.

Stephanie Grisham , who held the role from July 2019 to April 2020 before becoming the first lady’s communications director and chief of staff, is one of several Republican figures invited to the convention in Chicago to denounce the “extremism” of the former president and his campaign.

On Tuesday night, as she endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris for president, Grisham shared the brief text exchange, which finally convinced her to leave the post as she “couldn’t be part of the insanity any longer.”

“On Jan. 6, I asked Melania if we can at least tweet that ‘while peaceful protest is the right of every American, there’s no place for lawlessness or violence,” Grisham, with the apparent text shown on screens behind her, said.

Melania simply responds: “no.”

During her remarks, she told attendees that the former president mocks his supporters behind closed doors, calling them “basement dwellers.”

She also told a story about Trump during a hospital visit “when people were dying in the ICU, he was mad that the cameras were not watching him. He has no empathy, no morals, and no fidelity to the truth.”

“He used to tell me, ‘it doesn't matter what you say, Stephanie, say it enough and people will believe you,’” the former press secretary said.

She added that she resigned on January 6, 2021, because she “couldn't be part of the insanity any longer.”

“Kamala Harris tells the truth, she respects the American people and she has my vote,” she said.

In a statement to NBC News, Grisham said she never thought she would be speaking at a Democratic convention.“But, after seeing firsthand who Donald Trump really is, and the threat he poses to our country, I feel very strongly about speaking out.”

She added: “While I don’t agree with Vice President Harris on everything, I am proud to be supporting her because I know she will defend our freedoms and represent our nation with honesty and integrity.”

Other Republicans are expected to share a similar message throughout the convention, including former Representative Adam Kinzinger, of Illinois, who is scheduled to speak Thursday.

On Monday – the first night of the convention – a video compilation of former Trump voters was played to attendees, including a longer interview with a former Trumper, Rich Logis.

“While Donald Trump continues to attack moderates and independents, the Harris-Walz campaign has made clear that there is a place in our coalition for voters who reject the extremism of Donald Trump and want to protect our democracy,” a Harris campaign official said.

Grisham was Trump’s third White House press secretary, succeeding Sarah Huckabee Sanders and was the first White House Press Secretary to hold no press conferences.

She later assumed the role of chief of staff to former first lady Melania Trump on April 7 2020. On the evening of January 6 2021, Grisham resigned from the position following the storming of the United States Capitol.

In the aftermath of the insurrection and her resignation Grisham has become a fervent critic of her former boss, warning that he would “seek revenge” if not reelected.

She told CNN earlier this year: “He used to tell me when I was press secretary, ‘Go out there and say this.’ And if it was false, he would say, ‘It doesn’t matter, Stephanie. Just say it over and over and over again, people will believe it.’

“He knows his base believes in him. He knows he can basically say anything and his base will believe what he’s saying.”

Her inclusion on the second night of the convention, which also includes remarks from Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, continues the Harris campaign’s drive to recruit Republicans to their cause.

“We will be putting patriotic Republicans front and center in our convention programming to explain, in their own words, why they are putting country first and supporting Vice President Harris,” Austin Weatherford, the campaign’s national Republican engagement director, said in a statement to NBC News.

The campaign launched its “Republicans for Harris” program this month to reach more moderate and independent voters who may have supported Trump in the past, specifically highlighting the controversial Project 2025 document.

Full Transcript of Kamala Harris’s Democratic Convention Speech

The vice president’s remarks lasted roughly 35 minutes on the final night of the convention in Chicago.

Share full article

People watch as Kamala Harris speaks on a large screen above them.

By The New York Times

Aug. 23, 2024

This is a transcript of Vice President Kamala Harris’s speech on Thursday night in which she formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for the presidency.

OK, let’s get to business. Let’s get to business. All right.

So, let me start by thanking my most incredible husband, Doug. For being an incredible partner to me, an incredible father to Cole and Ella, and happy anniversary, Dougie. I love you so very much.

To our president, Joe Biden. When I think about the path that we have traveled together, Joe, I am filled with gratitude. Your record is extraordinary, as history will show, and your character is inspiring. And Doug and I love you and Jill, and are forever thankful to you both.

And to Coach Tim Walz. You are going to be an incredible vice president. And to the delegates and everyone who has put your faith in our campaign, your support is humbling.

So, America, the path that led me here in recent weeks was, no doubt, unexpected. But I’m no stranger to unlikely journeys. So, my mother, our mother, Shyamala Harris, had one of her own. And I miss her every day, and especially right now. And I know she’s looking down smiling. I know that.

So, my mother was 19 when she crossed the world alone, traveling from India to California with an unshakable dream to be the scientist who would cure breast cancer.

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Listen to your Word documents

There are many reasons to listen to a document, such as proofreading, multitasking, or increased comprehension and learning. Word makes listening possible by using the text-to-speech (TTS) ability of your device to play back written text as spoken words.

There are multiple tools for listening to your Word documents:

Read Aloud reads all or part of your document. You can use Read Aloud on its own or within Immersive Reader for Word in Windows and MacOS.

Immersive Reader is a set of tools that help improve reading fluency and comprehension. For more information about Immersive Reader, see Learning Tools in Word .

Speak reads only the text you've selected. Speak is available for Windows only. For more information about Speak, see Use the Speak text-to-speech feature to read text aloud .

Narrator is the Windows Screen reader app that reads your dialog boxes, buttons, and other user interfaces as well as the text. For more information about Narrator, see Using Windows Narrator in Office for the web .

Speech is a built-in accessibility feature of MacOS. When you set up Speech preferences in your Mac system preferences, you can select text and have it read by pressing a keyboard combination you’ve defined.

Note: For the full list of supported languages, see Language and voice support for the Speech service.

Listen with Read Aloud

Read Aloud is only available for Office 2019, Office 2021, and .

Change Read Aloud settings

Use the Reading speed slider to change the reading speed.

Under Voice Selection , select the voice you want.

Listen to selected text with Read Aloud.

Select the text to be read aloud.

Start Read Aloud from Review tab or shortcut or select play on Read Aloud UI.

Keyboard shortcuts

You can easily control Read Aloud using the following keyboard shortcuts in Windows:

CTRL + Alt + Space	Start Read Aloud
CTRL + Space	Play or pause Read Aloud
CTRL + Left Arrow	Skip to start of current paragraph
CTRL + Left Arrow + Left Arrow	Skip to start of previous paragraph
CTRL + Right Arrow	Skip forward to start of next paragraph
Alt + Left Arrow	Decrease reading speed
Alt + Right Arrow	Increase reading speed

Listen to your documents with Speak

Speak is a built-in feature of Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Speak reads aloud only the text you select. Read Aloud reads the entire document starting from your cursor location like an audiobook.

To use Speak:

Select a word or block of text in your document.

Tip: For instructions about how to add the Speak icon to your Quick Access Toolbar, see the help article Use the Speak text-to-speech feature to read text aloud .

Supported languages

Read Aloud uses the proofing language set for the document. To change the language, see the help article Fix text-to-speech reading in wrong language .

Depending on your platform, text-to-speech (TTS) uses software that comes built into your device or through a Microsoft service. The voices available will differ between TTS services. If you’re using Immersive Reader, see the help article Download voices for Immersive Reader, Read Mode, and Read Aloud for more information.

Our team is working on making voices sound more natural, so keep looking for improvements.

Troubleshooting

If you don’t see Read Aloud available, make sure that you’re signed into your Microsoft 365 account, and then try restarting the Word app or logging out and back in.

If you are unable to access Neural Voices, make sure you have a stable internet connection and are signed into your Microsoft 365 account.

Read Aloud doesn’t store your content or audio data. Microsoft uses your content only to provide you with audio results. For more information about experiences that analyze your content, see Connected Experiences in Office .

In MacOS you can listen to documents using Read Aloud or Speech.

Listen with Read Aloud for MacOS

Change Read Aloud settings

Use the Reading speed slider to change the voice speed.

Keyboard shortcuts

You can easily control Read Aloud using the following keyboard shortcuts in MacOS:

CTRL + Option + Space	Start Read Aloud
Option + Space	Play or pause Read Aloud
Option + up arrow	Skip to start of previous paragraph
Option + down arrow	Skip forward to start of next paragraph

Listen to your documents with Speech

Speech is a built-in accessibility feature of MacOS. After you activate Speech for your Mac, you can select text and have it read by pressing a keyboard combination you’ve defined.

To activate Speech, do the following:

On the Apple menu, select System Preferences .

Supported languages

Read Aloud uses the proofing language set for the document. To change the language, see the help article Fix text-to-speech reading in wrong language .

Depending on your platform, text-to-speech (TTS) uses software that comes built into your device or by a Microsoft service. The voices available will differ between TTS services. If you’re using Immersive Reader, see the help article Download voices for Immersive Reader, Read Mode, and Read Aloud for more information.

Our team is working on making voices sound more natural, so keep looking for improvements.

Troubleshooting

If you don’t see Read Aloud available, make sure that you’re signed in to your Microsoft 365 account, and then try restarting the Word app or logging out and back in.

If you are unable to access neural voices, please make sure you have a stable internet connections and are signed in to your Microsoft 365 account.

In Word for the Web, you can listen to your documents using Immersive Reader.

Using Immersive Reader

Change Immersive Reader settings

You can change the voice speed and selection for Immersive Reader.

Use the Voice Speed slide to change the voice speed.

Listen with Read Aloud in Word for iPad

Tap the menu icon at the top.

Tap Read Aloud .

Listen to selected text with Read Aloud.

Start Read Aloud from Review tab or overflow menu or select play on Read Aloud UI.

Change Read Aloud settings for iPad

In the Read Aloud controls, tap the gear icon.

Listen with Read Aloud in Word for iPhone

Tap the Review tab.

Change Read Aloud settings for iPhone

To change the speech rate, in the Read Aloud controls, tap the gear icon.

When you’re online, Read Aloud tries to detect the language of the text and can support multiple languages in a single document. For the full list of supported languages, see the help article Language and voice support for the Speech service .

Listen with Read Aloud in Word for Android phone

At the top, tap the menu icon.

Change Read Aloud settings for Android phone

For the full list of supported languages, see the help article Language and voice support for the Speech service .

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IMAGES

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COMMENTS

Dictate your documents in Word
It's a quick and easy way to get your thoughts out, create drafts or outlines, and capture notes. Windows Mac. Open a new or existing document and go to Home > Dictate while signed into Microsoft 365 on a mic-enabled device. Wait for the Dictate button to turn on and start listening. Start speaking to see text appear on the screen.
How to use speech to text in Microsoft Word
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word. Simple but crucial. Open the Microsoft Word application on your device and create a new, blank document. We named our test document "How to use speech to text in ...
How to Enable & Use SPEECH-TO-TEXT (Dictate) in WORD
Want to use your voice to type in Microsoft Word rather than your keyboard? Using dictation, or commonly known as "speech-to-text", is a simple feature offe...
Dictate in Microsoft 365
Dictate in Microsoft 365. Word for Microsoft 365 Outlook for Microsoft 365 More... Dictation lets you use speech-to-text to author content in Office with a microphone and reliable internet connection. Use your voice to quickly create documents, emails, notes, presentations, or even slide notes.
Transcribe your recordings
The transcribe feature converts speech to a text transcript with each speaker individually separated. After your conversation, interview, or meeting, you can revisit parts of the recording by playing back the timestamped audio and edit the transcription to make corrections. You can save the full transcript as a Word document or insert snippets ...
How to Record From Voice to Microsoft Word Text: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 4: Start dictating. Click on 'Dictate' and wait for the red recording icon to appear. Then start speaking clearly and at a moderate pace. Remember to enunciate and speak naturally. The software is good, but it's not perfect. If you mumble or talk too fast, it might not catch everything.
How to Use Speech-to-Text on Word to Write and Edit
1. In Microsoft Word, make sure you're in the "Home" tab at the top of the screen, and then click "Dictate." Click "Dictate" to start Word's speech-to-text feature. Dave Johnson/Business Insider ...
How to Dictate Text in Microsoft Office
At the main Office screen, click the icon for Word. Open a document and click the Dictate icon on the Home Ribbon and dictate your text. When finished, click the icon again to turn off Dictation ...
How to Transcribe Audio in Microsoft Word
Sign in to Microsoft 365, and open Word. In the "Home" tab, click the arrow next to "Dictate" and then select "Transcribe" from the menu that appears. The "Transcribe" pane will open in the right-hand side of the window. Select "Upload Audio." You can upload these audio file types:
How to Dictate Documents in Microsoft Word
Launch the Word app, either the desktop app on your Mac or PC or the web app in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. In the Home menu, select the microphone icon. If prompted, select the button to Allow the use of your microphone. Web app users will see a toolbar with controls for your microphone. Select the microphone icon to begin dictating.
Free Speech to Text Online, Voice Typing & Transcription
Speech to Text online notepad. Professional, accurate & free speech recognizing text editor. Distraction-free, fast, easy to use web app for dictation & typing. Speechnotes is a powerful speech-enabled online notepad, designed to empower your ideas by implementing a clean & efficient design, so you can focus on your thoughts.
How to Dictate a Document in Microsoft Word
With your computer's internal microphone, or with a USB microphone in hand, you can dictate your document in Word on both Windows and Mac. Head to the Home tab and click "Dictate." When the microphone icon appears, you can drag to move it anywhere you like. Click the icon to begin dictating, click again to stop or pause.
How to Transcribe Audio to Text in Word
In this step-by-step tutorial, learn how to convert audio into text using Microsoft Word. This is a super useful feature that can save you a lot of time and ...
Voice Commands and Transcriptions in Microsoft Word
Voice commands understand a variety of symbols so you can add things like "ampersand" and "percent sign", and you don't have to sound like a robot! We've based commands on the way people naturally talk so that you can capture your ideas easily. So saying things like "dot dot dot" when you can't remember "ellipses" works ...
How to Transcribe Audio to Text in Microsoft Word
In this step-by-step tutorial video, learn how you can transcribe speech in Word. Transcribe converts speech (recorded directly in Word or from an uploaded a...
How to Use Voice Typing in Microsoft Word Windows and Mac?
Open a blank Word document and go to "Home" tab. Click on "Dictate" icon from the ribbon to open a toolbar menu. Open Dictate in Word Windows Version. Click the microphone icon in the toolbar and start speaking. Word will automatically recognize your voice input and start converting to text in your document.
How to Convert Speech to Text in Microsoft Word
Click on the Review tab in the menu bar. Select Read Aloud. You can have MS Word read your text back to you using the Read Aloud feature. Once you click on the Read Aloud button, a popup appears with the Play, Previous, Next, and Settings icons. To have the text be read aloud, press the Play icon.
How to Use Speech-to-Text on Microsoft Word 2013
Speech to text is a cool feature on Microsoft Word 2013! To get started, do these steps: Open Microsoft Word 2013. Click the "File" tab in the top left corner. Choose "Options" from the drop-down menu. In the Word Options window, click on "Customize Ribbon". Next to "Dictation", check the box and then click "OK".
Dictate text using Speech Recognition
On Windows 11 22H2 and later, Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) will be replaced by voice access starting in September 2024. Older versions of Windows will continue to have WSR available. To learn more about voice access, go to Use voice access to control your PC & author text with your voice.
How to use Dictation and voice commands in Microsoft Word (2021)
A step-by-step tutorial on how to use the updated Dictation and voice commands in Microsoft Word for the web. Dictation in Microsoft Word is a useful way to ...
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Melania Trump's one-word text that caused ex-aide to quit shared during
Donald Trump's former White House press secretary took the stage at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday night and shared the brutal one-word message from Melania in the wake of the January 6 insurrection that caused her to quit.. Stephanie Grisham, who held the role from July 2019 to April 2020 before becoming the first lady's communications director and chief of staff, is one of ...
Use voice typing to talk instead of type on your PC
How to start voice typing. To use voice typing, you'll need to be connected to the internet, have a working microphone, and have your cursor in a text box. Once you turn on voice typing, it will start listening automatically. Wait for the "Listening..." alert before you start speaking. to navigate through the voice typing menu with your keyboard.
Kamala Harris's 2024 DNC Speech: Full Transcript
Full Transcript of Kamala Harris's Democratic Convention Speech. The vice president's remarks lasted roughly 35 minutes on the final night of the convention in Chicago.
Dictate text using Speech Recognition
Dictating text. When you speak into the microphone, Windows Speech Recognition converts your spoken words into text that appears on your screen. Open the program you want to use or select the text box you want to dictate text into. Correcting dictation mistakes. There are several ways to correct mistakes made during dictation.
Listen to your Word documents
Change Read Aloud settings. Select the gear icon in the controls at the top right. Use the Reading speed slider to change the reading speed. Under Voice Selection, select the voice you want. Listen to selected text with Read Aloud. Select the text to be read aloud. Start Read Aloud from Review tab or shortcut or select play on Read Aloud UI.