Using speech recognition: Creating a new document in Word - Word

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Using speech recognition: Creating a new document in Word

Applies to
Microsoft Word 2002

This feature is available in the Simplified Chinese, English (U.S.), and Japanese language versions of Microsoft Office XP.

To create a new document by using speech recognition, use Voice Command mode.

Note Clicking Speech on the Tools menu in Microsoft Word installs speech recognition in all Office XP programs, or you can do a custom installation. Before using speech recognition, you can increase speech recognition accuracy by reading aloud prepared text to train your computer to recognize how you speak.

Using Voice Command mode

You can give voice commands for just about anything you can read in an Office XP program.

For example, if you say the command, "new blank document," to create a new Word document, you are simply saying the name of the New Blank Document button on the Standard toolbar.

If you do not know the name of a button, you can read the name by resting the pointer over the button until the name appears.

New Blank Document toolbar button and ScreenTip

Creating a document

Do the following:

In Word, position your microphone, and then click in the program.
If the microphone is not already turned on, click Microphone on the Language bar to turn speech recognition on.

Language bar with the microphone and speech recognition turned off

Note For more information about the Language bar, see the Help in your Office XP program.
If Voice Command mode is not already turned on, click Voice Command on the Language bar, or say "voice command."

Language bar with Voice Command mode turned on
To open a new document, say "new blank document."
When you're finished, turn speech recognition off by clicking Microphone on the Language bar, or by saying "microphone."
Speech recognition will continue to process sounds until the microphone is turned off.

Show Increasing speech recognition accuracy

Keep in mind that speech recognition is not designed for completely hands-free operation; you'll get the best results if you use a combination of your voice and the mouse or keyboard.

If you have problems using speech recognition, check the following:

Be sure to train speech recognition.
Use a high-quality close-talk (headset) microphone, and position the microphone about an inch, or a thumb's width to the side of your mouth so that it is not directly in front of your mouth, and you are not breathing directly into it.
Eliminate background noise.
Speak in a consistent, level tone. Speaking too loudly or too softly makes it difficult for the computer to recognize what you've said.
When dictating text, speak without pausing between each word; a phrase is easier for the computer to interpret than just one word. Also, pronounce words clearly, but don't separate each syllable in a word.
If a voice command does not appear to work, switch to another program and switch back to the program you are working in, and then say the command again. If the command does not work as expected by the third or fourth try, do not continue to repeat the command. Instead, use your mouse or keyboard.
See the speech troubleshooting Help topic in your Office XP program.

For more information about things you can do and say with speech recognition, see the Help in your Office XP program.