How to Use the Dictation Tool in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word includes speech-to-text functionality, which allows you to dictate your documents using a microphone. You can use the dictation tool in Microsoft Word to write and edit your documents in various languages.

The keyboard isn’t the only way to add text to your Word document. So, if you’re looking to rest your fingers or don’t feel like typing, here’s how you can use Microsoft Word’s dictation tool to turn your spoken words into written text.

How to Use the Dictation Tool in Microsoft Word for PC or Mac

After you’ve connected a microphone to your computer, you can start using the dictation tool in Microsoft Word. You can use the following steps to dictate documents on both Windows and Mac.

Step 1: Open up any document in Microsoft Word.

Step 2: In the Home tab, click on the Dictate button.

Step 3: When you activate the Dictate button, you will see a red dot appear on it. Additionally, a small recording window will also appear. After that, you can start speaking to see text appear on the screen.

Step 4: You can click the gear-shaped icon to change your spoken language or select a different audio input device. Additionally, you can enable auto-punctuations and filter for sensitive phrases from this menu.

You can pause the dictation tool by clicking the microphone icon or close it by clicking the X icon. Note that if you switch to another app or program on your computer, the dictation tool will pause automatically.

How to Use the Dictation Tool in Microsoft Word Online

Using the dictation tool in Microsoft Word Online is a similar experience to one on the desktop. You can use the web version of Microsoft Word for free with your Microsoft account.

The dictation tool in Word Online works with all the popular browsers, including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Brave. Here’s how you can use it.

Step 1: Open up your preferred web browser and visit Microsoft Word for Web.

Visit Microsoft Word for Web

Step 2: Sign in with your Microsoft account and open a new or existing document.

Step 3: Click the Dictate icon and allow the browser to access your microphone if you haven’t already.

Step 4: Once the floating dictation window appears, Word should start transcribing everything you say in your document.

You can click the cog-shaped icon to change language, microphone device, and access additional options.

How to Use the Dictation Tool in Microsoft Word on Mobile

Microsoft Word’s dictation tool isn’t just for desktop users. You can also use this tool to dictate documents on your Android or iPhone. This saves you from typing a lot while creating long documents with your phone.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Word app on your Android or iPhone.

Step 2: Open any existing document or create a new one. Tap the microphone icon on your right. You may have to grant Word permission to record audio if you’re using this feature for the first time.

Step 3: The app should start recording your voice and transcribing everything you say. You can use the available shortcuts to add punctuations, new lines, and erase words.

Step 4: Tap the gear-shaped icon to reveal the Dictation settings. You can change the spoken language, enable or disable auto-punctuation, and access other options from this menu.

After using the tool, tap the keyboard icon.

Various Dictation Commands You Can Use in Microsoft Word

The best part about Word’s dictation tool is that it lets you edit, format, and insert punctuation marks using voice commands.

You can say the name of the punctuation mark or a symbol you want to insert, and Word will add it to your document. For instance, if you say ‘comma,’ Word will insert a comma. Likewise, you can also say ‘plus sign’ or ‘equal sign,’ and Word will add it to your document.

Aside from inserting symbols and punctuation, you can format your text using voice commands. For instance, if you say ‘I love using Microsoft Office’ and then say ‘bold Microsoft,’ it will bold the word Microsoft in your sentence. Likewise, you can use formatting commands to italicize, highlight, or underline words in a sentence.

Here are some additional dictation commands you can use in Microsoft Word.

• New line: to leave a line break
• Insert comment: to add a comment box
• Delete: to delete the last word or punctuation mark
• Delete that: to remove the last spoken phrase
• Exit dictation: to close the dictation tool

Type With Your Voice

The dictation tool can come in handy while typing long documents. The feature is reasonably accurate and fairly easy to use if you know all the voice commands. Give it a try and share your experience in the comments below.