For a while now, I’ve been interested in voice recognition software.
I recently became more interested, when I started having carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms appear.
My husband, a computer engineer, is also dealing with carpal tunnel issues. He recommended that I avoid using my left hand to decrease the symptoms and keep from aggravating the condition. But there was no way I could really effectively do that because I have two books to write by June and I can’t type without using my left hand.
We both figured that voice recognition software might help give my hand a break, even if I used it only part of the day.
Diane Wolfe reviewed Dragon Naturally Speaking software on her Spunk on a Stick’s Tips blog on Monday. After her positive review, I decided to check it out.
The CNET review had also been good, and user reviews on the software itself seemed good, although some people had a hard time installing the software (and apparently the tech support isn’t so hot for this program.)
I didn’t have any major problems with installation and had loaded it in about 10 minutes. I’m running Windows 7 (I some of the other users’ problems had been with Vista…no surprises there). I had a couple of hiccups during installation—once when the app thought there wasn’t enough memory (there was) to run the program, and once when it said I had a problem with my sound card (this error message disappeared when I tried again.)
I was relieved to find that the program made allowances for accented speech. Among the accents they listed in the set up was southern US. I do speak with a southern accent which is always a problem when I speak with automated customer service bots. So far, there hasn’t been a huge problem with Dragon understanding what I’m saying.
To get the most out of the program, you need to train the software to understand you. One of the things I found interesting is that it analyzes your e-mails and documents to get clues to your writing patterns, the names that you use in documents, etc.
Since I’m writing fiction, I was a little concerned about having to verbalize punctuation marks when writing. For dialogue, you have to say open quote then the sentence, then close quote. I thought this might be distracting. It was distracting at first, but after a few minutes of dictating, I got used to it. It didn’t seem to pull me into editing mode.
Another nice thing about this software, is that it’s not particularly expensive. In fact, Office Max had it on sale for $50. The software comes with a headset.
I spent about 45 min. training the Dragon software to learn my speech patterns and vocabulary and will continue to train it as I go. After the first training session, I spent about 30 min. writing and found I was able to produce about four pages. Yes, there were mistakes on those pages (break instead of brake, etc.), but all-in-all, I was pleased with what was there. It was fast and any errors could be fixed in edits.
If you’re someone who likes experimenting with different ways to write, or you frequently write in longhand and need to quickly transcribe those materials…or if you’re developing carpal tunnel, Dragon Naturally Speaking can provide a decent break for writers while still allowing them to get their writing done.
Have you used voice recognition software? How has it worked for you?
Hm. I might want to try it out.
I’ll have to take a look if it supports Finnish (fingers crossed).
Elizabeth – I’m sorry to hear that CTS is affecting you (although I can’t say I’m surprised given how hard you work). I’m glad to hear this software is promising. I’ve been thinking about something like it for myself. I’m definitely going to check this out.
I suffered from strain on my wrist while in college, mostly due to growing up holding my hand incorrectly when I write freehand. I would have loved to be allowed to even type in my exams, let alone use voice recognition.
This sounds like a great piece of software. There are definitely times when I’d like to give it a try, though how well does it filter out background noise or music?
I have used Dragon Naturally Speaking for years, not every day, but off and on. It keeps getting more accurate. The present program is the best so far. The present incarnation, 11.5, requires at least four gigs of ram and a fairly fast computer to work most effectively.
Oddly, I find I think in a different way when I’m typing than when I’m speaking the words. Still, I have good things to say about Dragon Naturally Speaking.
Paul–I’m not sure about the background noise because I made things pretty quiet at the house when I tried it–the kids were at school, and I did turn off the New Age music I had on in the background. Some reviewers said, though that you could find other headsets that would eliminate sound better. I’m also thinking about using my ipod for music and putting the headset on top of the ear buds (which I think would work fine.)
I recently re-installed Dragon when carpal tunnel came back in my right hand. I have version 10.0 and it’s pretty glitchy with Windows 7. Perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. The headset that came with it was far too small for anyone over the age of 6. I bought a headset with multiple end attachments, an extra long cord and noise cancelling (it also folds for easy storage) and it does help far more than the original headset.
Let’s hope the software helps – or, there’s always the option of hiring an assistant to do your typing. Seriously, carpal tunnel is nasty. Treat it with respect.
I have the Dragon Dictation app on my iPhone and iPad. Is this something different? For use on computer only maybe?
I haven’t used speech recognition software since my corporate working days ended back in 1998, but it sounds like something worth trying again. I have a little arthritis and sometimes my hands ache from typing. Thanks for the heads-up on Dragon. (But I wonder how it will deal with Katie Cat meowing at me in the background.)
Good to know this, and thanks for sharing it with us!
I am really sorry to hear about your illness, but how great that you have found a tool that can help you!
I hope I will never need to ´speak´ my novels as I have always been much better at making sense when I write than when I speak.
I’ve never used it. I think it’s come a long way in the past few years because I understand it used to be pretty awful. I was just thinking about the way I write. I think of the idea but not the words. Once I have the idea, my fingers just move. I would have to retrain myself as well as the software. One day I may have to do that. I like that you got four pages in thirty minutes.
Christine– Hope it does!
Margot–Hope you’ll like it. Yes, that carpal tunnel is a pain. Sigh.
Joe–Glad to hear from someone who has been using the program as long as you have! Thanks for your insights.
Interesting that you say you think differently when you speak instead of type. I’m wondering if I’m the same way. Seemed like my analytical brain was on yesterday…
Lorelei–You’re so welcome! Thanks for coming by!
this is so interesting – I always wondered how that would go – I’ve read of folks who dictate their books to secretaries etc…but wondered how it would feel. I’m such a keyboardist and have been since grade 9(thank you Mr. Cunningham) so I know my writing is different when I write by hand – by voice – could be interesting. Thanks for being such a good pioneer.
My method is so non-linear I don’t think that voice recognition would help. (I don’t even _spell_ in the right order.) However I was interested recently when I learned that Dragon has a free iPhone/iTouch app called Dragon Dictation.
Unfortunately, my Touch is a little too old to run it. Next time I upgrade, though, I’ll give it a try.
I’ve used Dragon for years and live it. Recently, I’ve started using it without the headset microphone, instead using the built in mic on my laptop. Works great. But to walk around the room as I dictate I have to use the Bluetooth headset.
Great review, Elizabeth. I’ll have to try it out!
All right, I really need to get this! Ruining my reputation by lacking a geek toy. That and I type really slow.
Oh you got one! I love mine. We are adjusting to each other. If it gets something wrong, I correct, and the next time it is right.
Gabryyl–This headset is pretty big and has lots of that foamy stuff to make it comfortable. The cord is long enough that I tripped over it when I forgot it was there. :) Might want to give the upgrade a try…it does seem to be on sale through more than 1 vendor.
Jan–I think it *Might* tap into a different part of our brain. So far so good, though.
Elspeth–Yeah, hoping that won’t be necessary. Reminds me of those old movies where the writers had secretaries. Ha! Like we can afford those…
Julie–It is…it’s for the computer. I’m using it primarily for Word and for writing my blog posts on Windows Live Writer, but it also works with Firefox and IE.
Patricia–Ha! When I used it today, it interpreted the animals’ noises as “what what what.” :) I’d imagine that it would be great for arthritis sufferers.
Dorte–I have to admit that I wasn’t excited about having to look at new methods of writing–I’m a fast typist at about 90+ wpm. But…trying to avoid surgery, so I thought I should give it a go. So far, so good…my arm/hand does feel better today.
Carol–I was actually surprised to see how quickly the pages filled up! But..I do talk to myself when I write (sigh) so maybe that has helped with my adjustment.
The Daring Novelist–It does…and I’m not sure how it all integrates, since I’m new to the software. I’ve got a Droid, but I think there’s something for those, too.
Alex–I think you’ll like it!
Diane–I love that it learns. That’s smart tech.
Must…get…soon. Between this and Diane’s review it’s sound great. I like accent thing – just as a general thing.
Southpaw–And I wish I’d made a note of all the different accents it supports! I know I saw British-accented among the choices. Southern US was right near the top, too.
Cool. I can see a benefit of this as using your storytelling skills. You’ll already be hearing yourself “read” your book.
I’ve never used voice recognition software, but after reading your post and Diane’s, I’m thinking about looking into Dragon Naturally Speaking. I’ve gotten used to sitting at the desk and typing, but long ago, I used to pace and talk out loud, then I’d have to sit and type. Maybe this could type while I paced.
I used Dragon after rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder in 2006.
I was writing far less in those days so I really didn’t persevere with it during that very long recovery. Being hopped up on pain meds didn’t help either.
Your post makes me want to dig it up and try again especially since I now have a repetitive strain injury in both forearms.
The version I have is 9 Preferred. I imagine they’ve improved it in the last 6 years.
I tried this so many years ago and it didn’t work. But will buy most current as it sounds much improved. I can walk 60 miles to raise funds for breast cancer and write all the way. Can’t wait!
I’ve tried the microsoft free version and it didn’t work. Maybe I will try this one. I do have a very strong accent. But do you write faster when you type or when you speak?
The Spinster’s Vow
Thought I would try it again. Wish I hadn’t!
I have several physical disabilities, as well as speech issues at times.
I hoped this program would help me.
I’ve tried it on two different Windows 7 computers. It crashed them both. One so bad, I had to reformat it back to factory.
Apparently, you can only have one Word document open on it. you cannot have the internet, or a pdf file open, or it crashes and freezes up.
I had it installed on my older computer, and have used it some. it works about 20 minutes, about 100 words before crashing. It didn’t get that far today.
I’ve spent the last hour trying to get it uninstalled after using it to type 50 words, 40 of which it got wrong. It still won’t uninstall, because it says it is running, even though I turned the computer off, and then back on.
Guess that computer gets it’s fifth reformat.
I won’t try it again. I do need voice recognition that works, and doesn’t crash my system.
Though I am sure glad it works for some of you! I just wish it did for me. I wasted today’s work time trying to get it to work. I know better.
Mary–Ha! You know, I was acting out the dialogue more than I usually do when I write…talking with emphasis. Which I didn’t need to do, but it was funny when I realized I was doing it.
Helen–I have a hard time sitting still when writing, so I’m thinking this can help me out, too (Blue Tooth).
Diane–I think using it with Blue Tooth would give you some really great options…I could try it and then write and do housework at the same time!
Hazel–Rotator cuff–ouch! No, I’m sure pain meds didn’t help when you were trying to learn new software.
Sorry about your arms! Hope you’re better soon. I’ve heard that each version of Dragon has been a drastic improvement.
Joe–Thanks! Good luck. :)
Enid–I type faster. But I think that when I really get used to verbally writing, I’m going to get a lot faster.
Terry–Exactly! I guess I can’t take it to the coffeehouse with me (I’d really get some looks then!), but walking would be perfect!
I’ve been hearing more and more writers using it and it’s making me quite curious. I type rather fast though so I don’t know if the Dragon would help me get a story done even faster or not.
I found you from Alex’s blog and am now your newest follower. Nice to “meet” you!
I hope your hand isn’t too bad, glad the software is helping
The other question is….
How does it work with multiple accents? That is, if your characters all distinctive accents, and so that’s how the sound comes out of your mouth?
(This is one of the reasons I don’t like to read my work aloud – I can’t always successfully do the accents I hear in my head, and I can’t switch very fast, so the wrong sounds break my concentration completely.)
April–Oh, that’s completely frustrating! I’d be pulling my hair out.
I did see that it wasn’t handling 2 Word docs well, so I copy/pasted my cast of characters document into a Notepad doc and just toggled back and forth on that. I’ve heard a couple of users say that it really *does* need a lot of extra memory to run well. But if I were you, I’d be done trying, for sure! I only have so much patience with technology.
Juliette–Thanks. :) It’s definitely helping…I think I just don’t need to overdo it (although it’s hard to stop overdoing it!)
Nicole–I think it might be an interesting experiment–I wonder if it would be more helpful with nonfiction than fiction and if it really does help us tap into a different part of our brain. We’ll see!
Thanks so much for coming by! Alex is a good friend. :)