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Tips for using Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Learning the basics of Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a fairly simple matter. However, to become a proficient user, one must be both patient and diligent.
As you begin using the program, you will find that actions that you could complete in mere moments on a keyboard now take an eternity. While this is a normal
experience as users progress from novices to experts, it can be excruciatingly frustrating. This is especially true if a recent injury has pushed you into
voice-recognition software. The frustration of adapting to this novel work model is often but one of many changes in a life now filled with upheaval.
To these users, we offer the following advice:
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Accept that it will be difficult to use voice-recognition software
efficiently for the first month or two. Make plans accordingly (e.g.
you won't be able to dictate your paper due this Friday without
assistance).
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Practice using voice-recognition on low priority tasks regularly
and give yourself lots of extra time to complete them.
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Like any skill, proficiency comes with regular practice. It is
better to use voice-recognition software a little bit every day
than to use it a lot at infrequent intervals. Unquestionably, everyday
use is best.
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Learning to dictate is a separate skill from learning voice-recognition
software. Most people learn to write by using a pen or a keyboard.
For these individuals, learning to "think with their mouth" represents
another hurdle to competence. Here again, practice makes perfect
(as demonstrated by the doctors, lawyers, and businessmen and women
who have dictated to stenographers for many years).
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The "easy way" to accomplish tasks using voice-recognition is often
different than when using the keyboard or mouse. Be open to discovering
these new pathways.
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Explore voice-recognition resources on the Internet. There are
many web sites and user groups devoted to voice-recognition. You
will often find invaluable advice there.
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While voice-recognition software can be an invaluable tool once
you become accustomed to it, some tasks will remain, at best, awkward.
It is not a panacea. As you become a advanced user you may learn
to solve some of these problems. Until then, play to its strengths
and look for alternate solutions when faced with its weaknesses.
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If you are becoming frustrated with Dragon, use a combination of
key commands, voice commands and use of the mouse. For example if
you have given a command 3 times and Dragon has not recognized it,
try using the keyboard or mouse instead.
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