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Speech Recognition Software: the Basics
 Once the material of science fiction, speech recognition software is now a matured technology which is extending the productivity of computer users worldwide. What can it do for you? How can you get started? Please read this brief review to learn more.
What does speech recogntion software do?
In the simplest terms, speech recognition software is able to accomplish the following functions:
- Convert your spoken word into text in any word processing application, text box, etc.
- By means of text macros, insert large chunks of text or graphics into a word processing document with a single voice command
- Complete a series of computer actions with a single voice command using "advanced commands"
The most basic functionality simply requires that the program is running, that you activate your microphone and that you speak into the microphone while your cursor is located in a text entry window.
Does it really work?
Yes. Speech recognition is a matured technology that can easily provide accuracy levels in the 95-99% for most users almost right out of the box. But this having been said, speech recognition software isn't for everyone. In order to work well it requires that you speak into a microphone with attention to enunciating carefully. It also works best if you speak in phrases or complete sentences. For the "mumblers" and for the absolute "techno-phobes" it might not be the best solution. It requires a fair degree of discipline in its use and an environment which is at least reasonably quiet. While it will work in a loud environment with contaminating noise, this extra noise will compete with and mix with the sound coming from you and potentially reduce accuracy.
But for anyone willing to speak carefully and spend just a little time getting to know the software and how it works, it is easy to obtain high levels of accuracy after the initial 5-10 minutes of training. So yes, it really does work, and works quite well for the person willing to put some attention into doing it right.
What does it take to get started?
In a nutshell, we recommend the following in order to get started with speech recognition software:
- the version of Dragon software appropriate for your needs
- a good quality microphone
- a little time to do some training and "under the hood" exploration
- an ongoing approach to use which ensures Dragon is continually learning
Lets go over these requirements in a little more detail
Dragon Software:
 There are several versions of Dragon, and you should carefully consider before making your purchase. Keep in mind that each version shares the same basic speech engine and it is only the available vocabularies and some extra functionality that differs from one version to another.
Dragon Home Version: After a several year hiatus of not offering a simplified "home" version of Dragon, Nuance has recently released a Dragon 15 Home. Although this uses the same speech engine as the each of the other versions of Dragon 15 (see below), and it works fine for basic speech to text functionality, it lacks many of the features seen in other versions. Among the things it won't allow you to do are a) to work in spreadsheets, b) create voice commands, c) have multiple user profiles on a single computer, d) transcribe digital files from a mobile device or digital recorder, e) import custom words. All of the above having been said, for the basic user, this is a reasonable way to start. If interested in this version, we recommend you purchase directly from Nuance (nuance.com).
Dragon Professional: This is the ideal version of Dragon software for anyone but the doctor or lawyer (special medical and legal versions are available). This version of Dragon includes almost everything but specialized vocabularies. It allows roaming user installation and creation of advanced commands. Dragon Professional comes in two version: Dragon Pro Individual and Dragon Pro Group. The primary difference is that the group version allows for use and administration on a network and the individual version is intended for a single user. Dragon Professional Individual is the version we recommend for most serious users of speech recognition. For some attorneys, the Pro version is also the best, particuarly if your use of legal terminology is not excessive. To learn more about the Professional version of Dragon, please visit our Dragon Professional software page.
Dragon Legal: This version has all of the features of the professional version, but also an integrated legal vocabulary. For the attorney or paralegal,
strongly consider the legal version, because of the integrated legal vocabulary. Depending upon the nature of your practice and extent of legal terminology in your dictation/writing, you might also find the Professional or Premium version to be absolutely fine for you. For more information, please visit our Dragon Legal Page.
Dragon Medical Practice Edition: For the doctor, associate provider, or nurse, this is the only version of Dragon to consider purchasing since it is the only version which includes a medical vocabulary and scores of sub-specialty vocabularies. It is the availability of these vocabularies that will hugely heighten transcription accuracy, as compared with non-medical versions. Beyond the vocabulary, the Medical Practice Edition has all the functionality of the Professional version plus the use of "Dragon templates" (which allow functionality of navigating through a note template while documenting) and also full integration with the PowerMic III microphone. For more information about the Dragon Medical Practice Edition, please visit our Dragon Medical Page.
A quality Microphone:
While the microphone that comes packaged with all new (full) versions of Dragon will provide reasonable results, for a number of reasons we suggest that you consider this a "proof of concept" or starter microphone. What's wrong with it? First, it's a $10 microphone and is neither sturdy nor particularly comfortable. Second, you get what you pay for and you are not paying for the best accuracy or external noise rejection.
Keep in mind that "good quality" does not necessary mean ungodly expensive. We and others sell some specially microphones which are very expensive and depending upon your situation and finances such a product might be appropriate, for many users an upgrade to a microphone costing between $50 and $100 can lead to a cost effective improvement in quality.
Here are our quick recommendations:
A Period of Dedicated Training and/or Familiarization:
If you intend to be a casual user and ask dragon to assist you with an occasional email or other non-critical work-flow, you probably don't need to invest in formal training. On the other hand if you plan to use Dragon as a tool in mission-critical documentation, you are smart to invest in training. Training definitely shortens the learning curve and increases the likelihood you will take advantage of the many functionalities and efficiencies offered by the software. Although there are several options and these vary significantly in cost, each will require time and commitment. In decreasing order of effectiveness, we suggest you consider the following:
- Formal On-Site Training: Although the most expensive, this will clearly provide you with the quickest and most successful "jump-start". The usual scenario is an initial 2 hour or so one-on-one training session following by either an in-person or web-based follow-up a few weeks later. Speech Recognition Solutions works with several training partners in various locations in the US. For more information on formal training, please visit our training page.
- Web based training: Speech Recognition Solutions is proud to offer a comprehensive program of formal web-based training through a program called SpeechMax. This program is offered in 3 levels, depending up your needs, and provides initial training, ongoing product support, access to a KnowledgeBase and FAQ, and other features. To learn more, please visit our SpeechMax introductory page.
- Books and training materials: We offer purchase of a variety of training tools in the form of books, videos and workbooks. These materials are ideal for the individual with the time and interest to go through these assets in a slow and methodical manner. See these resources on our Training Videos and Books page.
- Online Training Videos: Although a bit more passive and probably not as ideal as the methods listed above, if you are a quick learner and simply want exposure to the main topics, we recommend that you visit the on-line resources shown below:
-Speech Recognition Solutions Dragon Medical Training Video: This is a one-hour video which you can watch at your convenience and covers the main topics which will facilitate your successful use of Dragon
Ongoing attention to optimizing technique and training Dragon:
Although the software works amazingly well out of the box, it isn't perfect and certain things you do can make it work better. For a more thorough review of this topic, please refer to our Accuracy Improvement Guide. For a quick review we suggest the following to optimize your accuracy:
- Optimize your dictation style by enunciating clearly and speaking in a smooth, flowing manner
- Speak in long phrases or complete sentences
- Optimize your computer by getting a PC with a fast processor and lots of RAM (see our detailed recommendations at the following link: https://speechrecsolutions.com/tutorials.html#computer
- Optimize your computer dictating environment and available RAM by closing unnecessary programs
- Minimize external noise when dictating
- Manage your microphone by developing a quick way of and habit of turning it off when not dictating
- Use formal Dragon correction techniques when recognition errors occur (rather than just typing over the error) so Dragon will learn. The best way is to enter words using the "View/Edit" functionality from the "Words" menu.
- Consider upgrading to a better microphone, particularly if you are working in a loud environment (better microphones tend to be much better in rejecting external noise)
Will Dragon work with an Apple computer?
Mac users have several options. First, and simplest, you can purchase the Mac version of the Dragon software, called "Dragon Dictate". In our opinion this is not quite as developed as the Windows based product, but a whole lot better than the cloud based speech recognition built into the Mac OS. For more information about Mac Dictate, please visit our Apple Page.
Other alternatives available to the Mac user involve running the Windows operating system and Windows Dragon software directly on your Intel-based Mac. This can be done "virtually" using Parallels or VMWare, or by setting up a separate Windows partition using Bootcamp. All of these methods require that you purchase a licensed Windows operating system, which runs over $100, and whatever version of Dragon you choose to run. Having used each of the methods, we consider the Bootcamp option the best way to run Dragon on a Mac, but it does not facilitate rapid transition from the Windows to Mac environment.
For more information about using Dragon with a Mac, please visit our Mac Page.
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