Google provides us with a variety of services and tools to make our lives easier. One tool in particular, voice dictation, is now available in Google Docs. It’s an easy feature that makes the lives of those using it run a little smoother. Need to get an email sent? How about the notes for your next business meeting? Google Docs voice dictation makes that possible, without you having to really lift too many fingers.
To get started, you will need to have the latest version of Google Chrome installed and a microphone for your computer. With these tools set up, you’ll head to Google Drive and open a new Google Docs word processing document. You’ll go to the top menu and select Tools, then . A pop-up window will appear with a dark microphone icon in the middle. Once you click on the microphone, it will turn red to signify that it’s recording and you can start to speak.
It’s okay if you need to think about your words as you’re speaking; Google will wait. When you’ve completed your dictation, click the microphone to turn off the dictation. It is important to note that punctuation needs to be dictated.
An added benefit to voice dictation is that you can edit and format as well. Take the sentence, “I like pie.” To edit or format it, just say “select ‘I like pie’ and follow that with whatever formatting change you need to make. That could include “apply heading” or “apply underline.”
You can also create itemized list by saying “create numbered list” or “create bullet list.” When you need to go to the next item on the list, just say “new line” and say “new line” twice to finish the list. And no fears if you mess up! You can simply say “undo” to change any mistakes.
For transcribers, these features can be a great time saver. Not only that, but it can reduce the amount of effort you have to put in to typing up your latest project. Life made simple by Google. It’s as though Google just provided you with the option of having your own free secretary. For those you who may wonder what all can you type with your voice, Google even made a complete list of commands for your viewing pleasure.