Speech recognition overview
Speech recognition allows you to enter text into a document by speaking. Instead of typing, you can compose e-mail, create a report, or modify figures in a spreadsheet by speaking into a microphone. In some programs, you can even format text or issue commands with your voice.
Speech recognition works with programs that support it. You can dictate text in any Microsoft Office XP program, in Internet Explorer 5.0, and in Outlook Express 5.0. Other software programs might also support speech recognition. You cannot dictate text in Notepad at this time.
Important
| • | Speech recognition engines are language-specific. The first three Microsoft speech engines that are available are Simplified Chinese, U.S. English, and Japanese. Engines for other languages will become available. |
To use speech recognition, you need a high-quality close-talk (headset) microphone and a sound card or USB port Position the microphone so it is close to your mouth. Use the Microphone Wizard to configure your microphone.
It is important to train the speech recognition engine to understand your voice. As you read the training text aloud, the engine looks for patterns in the way you speak to help it interpret the words you say. Training creates a speech profile for the individual speaker.
Speech recognition is not designed for completely hands-free operation; you will get the best results if you use a combination of your voice and the mouse and keyboard, or your voice and a handwriting input device
Speech recognition requirements
Set up and configure your microphone
