Getting started with dictation

Creating a new document

1. Click the microphone button in the Status Window to turn the microphone on: .
2. Say Open <application>. For example, Open Microsoft Word.
3. Say New file.
4. Begin dictating.

Dictation guidelines

How to dictate

• Speak clearly and naturally, at your normal conversational tone and pace.
• Pronounce each word clearly, but in a way that is comfortable for you. If you are not sure how to do this, imagine how a newscaster reads a story and try to copy that style.
• For best recognition, dictate using longer phrases rather than pausing after a each word or every few words. Hearing a whole phrase helps Dragon predict what words you are likely to say in context, which makes it more accurate.

Remember, in some applications, it's better not to use your mouse and keyboard while dictating text. See Mixing dictation with typing for more information, including a list of currently supported applications.

Where to dictate

• For best results, dictate in an area with minimal background noise, as Dragon hears and transcribes everything.

How to add punctuation

• Pause briefly before and after you dictate punctuation.
• Say all punctuation as you dictate. Except for some in-word punctuation such as apostrophes and hyphens, Dragon will not insert any punctuation unless you dictate it.

For example, if you want to enter the text "Good morning, Mike!" say Good morning comma Mike exclamation point.

How to use commands

• Pause briefly before and after you dictate commands.
• Check the Guidance window for suggested commands based on what you are doing.