How dictation helps writers and the best dictation software has been discussed in this article in a comprehensive manner.
In the writing community, dictation is one trend that spreads like wildfire, and for a good reason.
Dictation is a method of writing where you don’t need your fingers to type the words. Instead, you use your voice to speak the words, and an app will transcribe them for you.
Simply put, technology changes the way you write, and it is in your best interest to adapt to new text technology as this will improve your writing and help you get your work done faster. If you are a Mac user, you don’t even have to look elsewhere because Apple Dictation is an in-built software. It is one of the best voice recognition Macintosh software and works in all native text editors and programs where you can type. You can also use Siri for dictation by connecting Voice Control with Siri (Accessibility > Voice Control > Commands).
Want to know how dictation helps writers? Whether you are writing a book or white paper or you are a content writer crafting promotional pieces for your client, here are some ways dictation can help you.
Also Read: List of Good Persuasive Speech Topics
How Dictation Helps Writers
- Saves a lot of time!
- Facilitates multitasking
- Creates a safe space for dumping great ideas
- Prevents health problems
- No eye strain and headaches
Saves a lot of time!
Dictation is much faster than writing. It will put your device on steroids and help you complete your tasks ahead of time so you can hang out with your friends or catch the new Keanu Reeves movie.
Suppose you have to deliver 2,000 words per day, and depending on how inspired you feel, finishing this may take anywhere from three to eight hours.
Sometimes, you may not finish writing 2,000 words even after investing eight hours. Or, you are writing a book, and while your head is brimming with wonderful ideas for the next plot twist, your fingers have given up. They cannot write another word, which can be disappointing because writing is a creative process.
You may forget the ideas that were getting you excited when you sit to write your book after a few hours.
You can improve your speed of writing while sparing your fingers by making use of dictation software. You can dictate and finish up to 100 words per minute or even more.
Facilitates multitasking
Without multitasking, you cannot get work done at this age. On busy days, you may have to complete your writing task and ten other chores.
By dictating, you can finish writing your blog or novel while cooking, driving, or walking in the park. As a result, you can do several things at once and be at your efficient best.
Creates a safe space for dumping great ideas
This applies if you are drafting a book and must finish it within three months. One of the best approaches is to dump all the ideas you have on a blank document and then edit the draft to create the final manuscript.
The problem is most writers get paralyzed with fear as they stare at a blank computer screen. Before typing, they fear that they will get the perfect description. Writers also fuss over punctuation and grammar. Inevitably, this delays the process.
Instead of staring at a blank screen, simply dump whatever you think on the blank document using your voice. Then, as your imagination is sparked and ideas run through your mind, keep dictating everything.
Dictating or recording your first draft instead of typing allows writers to dump their ideas and then start trimming them out to present a polished manuscript.
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Prevents health problems
Writing may require you to stay hunched over your laptop for long hours. Sitting in the same position for extended hours is not good for your health. It can cause strain on your hands and eyes, and spine and lead to a litany of ailments like carpal tunnel, back pain, and eye strain.
You can opt for dictation to prevent such health issues and let the software do its magic. When you dictate, you can choose your most comfortable position, and there’s no need to sit for long hours. Instead, you can walk around the room to dictate what you want to write.
Therefore, if you are struggling to sit for long hours to complete your writing tasks or the book you are writing, dictation can be a lifesaver.
No eye strain and headaches
Staring at the computer screen for long hours can cause eye strain, and it may lead to headaches. If you want to protect your eyes, you can opt for dictation. Using your voice for writing can give your eyes and fingers the relaxation they need.
You can alternate between typing and dictating to boost your productivity.
The Best Dictation Software for Writers
If you want to start dictating a book, you first need a well-stocked tool belt. We recommend having some of the most popular dictation software in your tool belt. While some of these tools are expensive, others are completely free and may already be installed on your computer.
Remember that there are two ways to dictate a book: by dictating in real time or by putting it on record and transcribing it later. On this list, you will discover tools that will help you do any of the aforementioned
Dragon
With a suite of productivity solutions, Nuance Dragon software makes AI speech recognition accessible to everyone. Dragon helps self-published writers dictate a book on their mobile phones. You can dictate in the app.
The app offers a free trial for 15 days, after which you can decide to continue or deactivate your subscription before being charged.
SpeechPad
Speechpad is one o of the best dictation software you can find out there.
With the Speechpad software, you will be able to make an audio or video recording of what you want to be transcribed and send it to the right person on the Speechpad team. You will get your transcription within 24 hours and that will cost you $1, but if you need it in 12 hours, you have to part with $1.25
Google Docs
To show that dictation can be easy and free, Google Docs offers this option for Chrome browser users. If you’ve already set up Chrome, open Google Docs and go to Tools in the top toolbar. Find the “Voice Typing” option there and select it. There is also a keyboard shortcut “command + shift + S” for this.
Speechtexter
ISpeechtexter is the right dictation software for Google Docs/Chrome users. To use this software, you need to speak on the doc and your words will appear on the screen. With Speechtexter you will also be able to access the punctuation commands on the right-hand side of your screen.
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Apple Dictation
When you turn on keyboard dictation on your Mac you will be able to dictate anywhere on your computer. Apple also allows you to set up your dictation to allow you to start dictation in a few clicks whenever you want. Apple Dictation is one of the best dictation software to make use of.
Windows Speech Recognition
Windows Speech Recognition works like that of Apple Diction software. This is a solution for Windows PCs and is available in Windows 10 and 11. Based on online reviews – Windows Speech Recognition is a free and easy-to-use tool that appeals to those who don’t want to spend a fortune on dictation.
Conclusion
Dictation is a practical skill for the future, and as writing technologies evolve, there will be more ways to write faster and without much trouble to your fingers.
If you haven’t yet, it is high time to give dictation a spin. You will surely not go back to typing full-time on your computer.
