I am challenging the graduate-level class I am teaching to draft a 15-20 program plan within the first six weeks of school. I recognize that we will not have covered all the content in the course by the six-week mark. However, I want them to work with the project so that when we cover the information, they will know how it fits into their plan. To help them draft a plan, I am offering three suggestions for dictation. This will help them share their thoughts on each template item.
The three dictation methods are:
- Otter.AI
- Google Voice Typing
- Microsoft Word Dictation
Otter.AI
Otter.AI is now my tool of choice for dictation projects like blog posts, books, etc. All I have to do is hit record. Otter.AI will capture what I say, word for word.
None of these dication methods are perfect. However, I like Otter.AI because it handles punctuation better than the other two methods.
With Otter.AI, I can speak at approximately 5,000-8,000 words per hour. A 15-20 page program plan is about 7,500 to 10,000 words. I can knock out the first draft in approximately two hours. I would then have to go back and clean up the language as well as add necessary citations.
Google Voice Typing
Google Voice Typing is my next favorite dictation tool. I spend a lot of time in Google Docs and regularly use the voice typing tool. It is simple to use.
Open a document in which you want to add content through dictation. Place your cursor at the appropriate spot. From the Tools menu, select Voice Typing. Click on the microphone button when you are ready to dictate.
Speak at a normal pace. Additionally, speak clearly. You must identify punctuation as you are using it. For example, “Run comma Dick comma run period” to get “Run, Dick, run.” You would also have to declare when you wanted to start a new line or paragraph. The commands are easy to learn and have become second nature.
There are many other voice commands available. Find the ones most useful to you.
Microsoft Word Dictation
I have only started to use dictation in Microsoft Word. Dictation is available in the latest versions of Word.
To use dictation in word, place your cursor where you want the text and select the dictate button on the Home menu. Word dication has its own set of commands. Fortunately, you can adjust the dictation settings to turn on auto-punctuation.
Summary
Regardless of your method, you will save a lot of time writing your first draft. I start with a rough outline of what I want to talk about and then start talking. Once I capture my thoughts, I will move from creation to editing mode. The more I do it, you better I get at it. Just like learning to type, you were not a master the first time you were introduced to a keyboard.
Additional Reading
- Dictating a Blog Post
- Book Review: Dictate Your Book: How to Write Your Book Faster, Better, and Smarter
- Book Review: Write Better, Faster: How to Triple Your Writing Speed and Write More Every Day
- ITC: 145 – How to “Win” at NaNoWriMo
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