How to Make Microsoft Word Type for You While You Read

Set up Microphone
1. Connect a microphone to your computer, and click the Windows 'Start' menu button. Click 'Control Panel' to open the Control Panel.
2. Type 'speech recognition' (without the quotes) in the search box at the top of the Control Panel. The 'Speech Recognition' icon appears. Click that icon to display the 'Speech Configuration' panel.
3. Click 'Set up Microphone' to open the microphone setup wizard.
4. Click one of the microphone types listed to select it. Choices are 'Headset,' 'Desktop' and 'Other.'
5. Click 'Next.' The wizard walks you through a few steps that allow you to adjust microphone placement and volume.
6. Follow the instructions, and click 'Finish' when done. The setup wizard closes and displays the 'Speech Configuration' control panel.
Train Software
7. Click 'Take Speech Tutorial. A full-screen tutorial opens. This tutorial teaches you how to use voice commands effectively.
8. Read the instructions on the first screen, and click 'Next.' Follow the instructions in the wizard as it walks you through the tutorial. Click 'Finish' when the tutorial ends to return to the 'Speech Configuration' panel.
9. Click 'Train Your Computer to Understand You.' Windows starts the 'Speech Recognition Voice Training' wizard. This wizard listens to your speech and optimizes the software to work with your voice. It will ask you to read several passages displayed on-screen.
10. Follow the wizard's instructions, and complete the voice training exercise. Click 'Finish' when done to begin using the speech recognition program.
Dictate to Word
11. Click the Windows 'Start' menu button, and then type 'Speech Recognition' (without the quotes) in the search box. The 'Start Speech Recognition' icon appears.
12. Say a few words. Microsoft Word types the words you say. As you speak, Word might type words incorrectly. To correct a word, say, 'Select that.' Word will highlight the text you last dictated. Say a new word to replace the incorrect one.
13. Speak additional words as you experiment with the speech recognition program. Add punctuation in Word by saying punctuation symbols such as 'Comma,' 'Colon' and 'Apostrophe.' To insert a new line, say 'New line.' Capitalize a word by saying 'Caps' and the name of the word. For best results, speak clearly and distinctly as you dictate.