How do I get the microphone on my keyboard so I can talk to text?

What is Dictation?

Dictation refers to the process of using speech recognition technology to convert spoken words into text. It allows users to speak into a microphone and have their speech automatically transcribed into a document or text field. Dictation enables hands-free typing and can be significantly faster than manual typing for many users.

Dictation uses speech recognition software to analyze the acoustic properties of speech and match them to language models to determine the most likely text representation of the spoken words. As the user speaks, the software processes and transcribes the audio in real-time or near real-time.

The first modern dictation systems were introduced in the 1990s but have improved significantly in accuracy in recent years due to advanced deep learning algorithms and the availability of large datasets for training speech recognition models. Most modern computing devices now include built-in dictation capabilities.

Dictation allows users to compose documents, write emails, fill out forms, search the web, and accomplish many other tasks using just their voice. It provides an alternative input method that can boost accessibility and productivity.

Check if Your Keyboard Has a Built-In Microphone

Before trying to set up and use your keyboard’s microphone, you’ll want to verify that it actually has one built in. Here’s how to check:

Look at your keyboard closely for a microphone icon, usually located near the top or on the right side.

See if there is a dedicated mute button on your keyboard, often marked with a mic icon. Pressing this mutes/unmutes the mic.
Check the product specifications, manual, or box to confirm the inclusion of an integrated microphone.
Search the keyboard model online along with terms like “built-in mic” to find specifications.

Plug the keyboard into your computer and look for it as a microphone input option in your operating system’s sound settings.

If you don’t see any signs of an integrated mic, then your keyboard likely doesn’t have one. You would need to use an external USB or 3.5mm microphone instead for dictation, calls, etc.

Some common keyboard models like gaming or multimedia keyboards tend to include built-in mics more often. Knowing for certain before moving forward will save you troubleshooting time later.

Enable Dictation in Your Operating System

To take full advantage of your keyboard’s built-in microphone for dictation, you’ll need to enable the dictation or speech recognition feature in your operating system’s settings. This allows your computer to listen to and transcribe your spoken words into text.

In Windows 10 and 11, go to Settings > Time & Language > Speech and turn on the “Dictation” switch. You can also adjust the dictation source to ensure your keyboard microphone is being used.

On Mac computers, open System Preferences > Keyboard and check the box next to “Dictation.” Make sure “Use Enhanced Dictation” is also enabled for the best transcription accuracy.

Enabling dictation in your operating system is an essential first step to using your keyboard microphone for speech-to-text. With the proper settings configured, you can dictate into any text field system-wide. Adjust the microphone levels or calibrate for your voice if needed to optimize performance.

For more details, refer to the Microsoft or Apple support documentation on setting up dictation.

Set Up the Microphone in Your Dictation Software

Once you have enabled dictation in your operating system, you need to set up the microphone in your dictation software. Most dictation software will walk you through a setup process to select the microphone input and test it out. Here are some tips for getting your keyboard’s built-in microphone working properly:

Select the microphone input option that corresponds to your keyboard’s built-in mic. This may be listed as something like “Internal Microphone” or have the manufacturer name.
Run the microphone setup test and adjust your positioning so the software can detect your voice clearly. Sit close enough so the mic can pick up what you’re saying without too much background noise.
Go through any training or voice calibration if prompted so the software can get used to your voice.

Adjust the microphone volume levels or boost if needed to optimize the input audio.

Setting up the microphone properly in your dictation software ensures that it can accurately detect what you are saying. Taking the time to select the right input and adjust settings will improve your dictation experience when using your keyboard’s built-in microphone.

Position Yourself Appropriately

When dictating into a keyboard microphone, it’s important to position yourself close enough so the microphone can clearly pick up your voice. Sit within 1-2 feet of the keyboard and face towards it as you speak. Speaking directly at the microphone will ensure it captures your words accurately.

Make sure to enunciate words clearly and at a normal volume. You don’t need to shout, but mumbling or speaking too softly can lead to errors. Avoid covering your mouth or looking away as you talk. Pace yourself appropriately without rushing through sentences.

Also try to minimize background noise that could interfere with the microphone. Turn off music, television, or fans in the room. Close the door to avoid noise from other rooms. The clearer your voice comes through, the fewer mistakes the dictation software will make.

With good mic technique and positioning, dictation can pick up your natural speech cleanly. Sitting upright and a bit closer to the keyboard should help optimize accuracy.

Train the Software to Recognize Your Voice

One of the most effective ways to improve accuracy with your keyboard microphone is to use voice training tools. Most dictation software like Windows Speech Recognition or Dragon NaturallySpeaking include voice training options. These require you to read aloud passages of text so the software can analyze and learn your voice patterns.

According to research, usually 15 to 60 minutes of voice training can dramatically boost accuracy for voice recognition. The more time spent training the software, the better it will understand your speech tendencies and pronunciation. Make sure to train the software in conditions similar to those where you will use it. For example, the same quiet room with little background noise.

With continued use, accuracy typically keeps improving over time as the software adapts to your voice. But periodic retraining with new voice samples will help the software account for changes in your speech as well. Check your microphone software for a “train” or “voice training” option to get started.

According to this Journal of Accountancy article, updating to the latest version of your dictation software can also provide accuracy gains from improved voice recognition capabilities.

Dictate into a Text Field

Once you have set up your microphone and trained the dictation software to recognize your voice, you are ready to start dictating text. The key is to first click or highlight where you want the dictated text to appear before starting to speak. This could be in a document, email, text field, or any other application that accepts text input.

Position yourself so your mouth is about 1 foot away from the microphone and speak clearly and naturally, enunciating each word. Say punctuation if you want it inserted automatically. For example, say “comma” or “period” for commas and periods. You can also use voice commands like “new line” or “new paragraph” to format the text.

After dictating a sentence or paragraph, look over the transcribed text. Use editing voice commands as needed to correct any errors. Common commands include “select previous/next word”, “delete that”, “replace [word] with [new word]”, and so on. With practice, your accuracy will improve as the software learns your voice and speech patterns.

With keyboard dictation, you have the power to translate your thoughts into text quickly and easily. This allows you to focus on your ideas rather than mechanical typing. It can save you time while also providing an alternative input method if you have difficulty typing.

For more tips, see: Reading Rockets on keyboard dictation

Utilize Editing Commands

One of the biggest advantages of using dictation is being able to insert punctuation and make edits using only your voice. Here are some common editing commands:

Say “period”, “comma”, “question mark”, or “exclamation point” to insert punctuation.
Say “new line” or “new paragraph” to start a new line or paragraph.

Say “tab” to insert a tab space.
Say “caps on/off” to toggle capitalization on or off.
Say “select [text]” to select specific text.

Say “delete that” to delete the last phrase you dictated.
Say “scratch that” to delete the last sentence.
Say “undo that” or “redo that” to undo or redo your last action.

Say “insert before [text]” or “insert after [text]” to add words before or after specific text.

Mastering these editing commands allows you to make changes and fix mistakes using only your voice. With some practice, editing with speech can become very quick and natural.

Correct Dictation Errors

Even the most advanced dictation software will make mistakes from time to time. Fortunately, there are techniques you can use to efficiently fix errors in your dictated text:

Use keyboard or voice commands within your dictation software to make corrections. For example, in Dragon NaturallySpeaking you can say “Correct that” or “Scratch that” to delete the last section of dictation. You can also say “Bold that” or “Italicize that” to format text for emphasis.

Train the software by correcting mistakes as you go.Dragon NaturallySpeaking allows you to select the error and dictate the right word or phrase, which helps “teach” the software your voice and improve accuracy over time.

Use the software’s interface to make manual edits as needed. You may need to go back and edit some text by hand, which is easy to do in most dictation programs.

Save frequently! This allows you to revert back to a previous version if too many mistakes build up.

With the right error correction techniques, you can quickly fix any mistakes that arise and improve the accuracy of your dictated text.

Get the Most out of Your Keyboard Microphone

To get the most accurate and efficient dictation from your keyboard’s built-in microphone, follow these tips and best practices:

Speak clearly and naturally at a steady pace. Don’t speak too fast or mumble. Enunciate each word and pause briefly between sentences. The dictation software needs time to process your speech.

Position yourself about 12 inches from the keyboard microphone. Don’t speak directly into it; instead speak toward it at a slight angle. Find the optimal distance for your microphone.

Reduce background noise by closing doors and windows. Also ask others to avoid making noise while you’re dictating. Noise can interfere with the microphone picking up your speech.

Train the software by reading passages to help it learn your voice. The more it hears your speech patterns, the better it will become at recognizing what you say.

Use clear formatting commands like “new line,” “new paragraph,” or “period” so the software knows how to format your text.

Proofread and correct any errors after dictating. Using the software’s commands for editing and correction can improve accuracy over time.

Check the microphone settings and adjust the levels to optimize quality. Make sure other programs aren’t using the microphone at the same time.

Take breaks periodically to rest your voice and clear your throat. Long dictation sessions can strain your voice.

Practice dictation regularly to get comfortable with speaking your thoughts aloud into text. With time, you’ll get better results.