How to Use Microsoft Office by Talking Instead of Typing

1. Open up Microsoft Word. Open the 'Tools' menu from the menu toolbar, and click the 'Speech' button.
2. Click 'Yes' to install the speech software when prompted if it is not already installed. Although you are installing it through Microsoft Word, the software will install for the entire Office suite. Insert the appropriate installation disk when prompted.
3. Plug your microphone into the microphone jack on your computer. Position the microphone so it is about 1 inch to the side of your mouth. Position the microphone so you are not blowing into it.
4. When installation is complete, click the 'Next' button to enter speech-recognition training. This will greatly increase the computer's accuracy in understanding your speech.
5. Follow the instructions for voice-recognition training. The training will consist of speaking into the microphone in your normal voice. You might have to adjust your microphone's position and volume to get optimal results.
6. Access voice recognition in any Office program by going to the 'Tools' menu and clicking 'Speech.'
7. Click the 'Microphone' button on the language bar that pops up in the upper-right corner of the screen. Next to the 'Microphone' button, either 'Dictation' or 'Voice Command' is highlighted. To issue a command such as 'Open' or 'Save,' click the 'Voice Command' button. To have the program convert your speech to text, click the 'Dictation' button.
8. Enter punctuation by saying what punctuation you want. For example, to enter a period at the end of a sentence, say 'Period' in Dictation mode. To move around in the document, say phrases such as 'Go up' or 'Go right' in Voice Command mode.