Voice Recognition Software: Double Your Productivity

Published November 5, 2009

Dragon NaturallySpeaking voice recognition program is a tool that will enhance any writer's productivity. While it is not an absolutely necessary writing tool to become successful as a writer, it sure is nice to have.

I've found as a freelance writer, the more you write, the more you get paid. Yes, I do write because I love writing but I also write because I love getting paid. Dragon Naturally Speaking has helped me write more and therefore get paid more.

Have you ever had times when ideas come to your head in a flurry of activity? They come so fast and furiously that it's difficult to get them all down on paper. No matter how fast you write or how fast you type, sometimes it's just not fast enough.

Voice Recognition versusTyping/Writing Speed

In my case, I typed that a respectable rate of about 85 words per minute. However, I speak at a much faster pace than that. When the ideas are coming to my head, my hands are a bottleneck and slow down the transmission process. Let's face it, at 85 words a minute, there are few words that will be left out when the brain is on a role. Even more, words are omitted if I'm forced to write the ideas using the old-fashioned pen and paper method.

In an attempt to get the main ideas down on paper I tend to use a rather unrecognizable type of shorthand. So unrecognizable that when I'm ready to review my ideas, I cant decipher my notescan'tis is where Dragon NaturallySpeaking comes in. By using the software, I am able to speak as fast or slow as the ideas come to my mind. The software then records and transcribes everything that I say.

Thought Organization and Brain Dump

The beauty of using Dragon NaturallySpeaking is even if I don't put the ideas in proper order the first time around, at least it's on paper. I can always come back and edit it. Additionally, I can understand Dragon NaturallySpeaking's handwriting. I don't have to sit there scratching my head wondering what I wrote.

I've found that since I started using Dragon NaturallySpeaking, I'm able to produce more work per day. It has also helped me to formulate my ideas better. The more you use the software, the more you hear your ideas out loud. There's something about speaking your ideas that eventually trains the brain to put first things first.

There is a little bit of a learning curve when using the software. You have to train the software to understand your voice, your speech pattern and intonations. There is always a little tweaking here and there that needs to be done, however, it sure beats trying to decipher what you wrote in a hurried sloppy undecipherable scribble.

Check it Out

Although there are several voice recognitionk software packages on the market, I've found Naturally Speaking works best for me. The software retails for about $99. There always seems to be some sort of rebate of on the internet ranging from $20-$50. As far as I'm concerned, even at full price, the software that is well worth it. It is helped me to increase my productivity and increase my income. It has more than paid for itself.

Last Modified: 20 June 2023