Default dictation languages available in Microsoft Word 365. Change the dictation language in Microsoft Word Click the gear icon near the microphone button to set dictation language.īy default, the dictation service uses the document language as set in Microsoft Office (File > Options > Language in Windows or Tools > Language… on Macs). To turn off dictation, click the Dictate button in the Home tab again.

There are far too many to include in this article, but here are a few. You can tell Word to start a new line, a new paragraph, and more with verbal dictation commands that you can find here. For example, you can end a sentence by saying, “period” or “full stop.” End a question by saying, “question mark.” But other punctuation is best handled by verbal commands. Microsoft is reasonably good at detecting the ends of sentences and placing a period there. Click the microphone button to resume after dictation pauses. If that happens, you’ll see a message in the box that says “Tap the microphone to resume.” Click or tap the microphone icon in that box to resume dictating. If you pause long enough, Word will think you’re finished and will stop recording. With dictation activated, you’ll see a small box, probably situated near the bottom of the screen, that says “Listening.” Click in the document and start dictating. Open the Home tab and click the Dictate button which you should find to the right of the Styles section. On Mac or Windows computers, open your document. How to activate diction in Microsoft WordĪctivating dictation in Word is simple. With a fast connection your words can appear onscreen almost as quickly as you speak. How fast this happens depends greatly on your Internet speed. This is because as you dictate, your speech is sent very quickly to Microsoft where it is transcribed into text and sent back to Word on your computer. In order to use Microsoft’s dictation services, you must also be connected to the Internet. You should be able to find an external microphone at Amazon that will fit your needs. There are inexpensive models available that should work quite well. If you write on a desktop computer and your computer or monitor does not have a built-in microphone, it’s possible you’ll need to pick up one which you can connect to your computer. Some external monitors such as the Apple Thunderbolt Display that I use have microphones built in. The one on your laptop may be sufficient. In order to use dictation in Word, you must be using the Microsoft 365 subscription version. What about privacy concerns with Microsoft dictation? How to Dictate in Microsoft Word.Using transcribed dictation in your work.Is Microsoft’s dictation more accurate than other services?.When Microsoft Word doesn’t hear your dictation.Change the dictation language in Microsoft Word.How to activate diction in Microsoft Word.

Microsoft word mac dictation