Methods for Achieving Better Voice Recognition

Methods for Achieving Better Voice Recognition

To get the best results from voice recognition, a few guidelines should be followed to ensure the best recognition results.

Microphone Position

Keep the headset microphone at the corner of your mouth and not directly in front of it. Make sure the microphone is about a thumb’s width away from the corner of your mouth. If the microphone is too far away, recognition accuracy may deteriorate noticeably.

For best results, position your microphone carefully and consistently every time you use it. If you notice voice recognition getting worse, it might be because the microphone has been moved out of position.

Speak Clearly

Speaking clearly is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to improve recognition accuracy. If you enunciate your words, voice recognition is much more likely to recognize them correctly.

Keeps these rules in mind when dictating:

• Speak continuously and enunciate each word.
• Speak in long phrases rather than in short phrases or individual words.
• Speak at your normal speed.
• Do not mumble or slur your words.
• Try not to say “um” or “uh”; pause silently instead.

Use The Microphone Correctly

Positioning the microphone correctly is extremely important for good recognition accuracy. While you can use Dragon Naturally Speaking Voice Integration with either a headset or a handheld microphone, it is recommended that you start out with the headset. You will likely get better results with the headset because it helps keep the microphone positioned properly. A handheld microphone should not be used if you dictate for long periods of time or if you suffer from repetitive stress injuries.

If you switch microphones, you must check the audio volume and quality again through Audio Setup. For best results, train a new user for each input device (microphone or recorder) you use.

When the microphone is on, a colored bar indicates the input volume. If the bar is yellow, the volume is low; if it is green, the volume is normal; and if it is red, the volume is high. If the volume is consistently low or high when you speak, check your audio volume and quality again.

Preventing Vocal Strain

Adhere to these guidelines to prevent vocal strain:

• When dictating for long periods of time, posture, correct breathing, and regular breaks are important.
• Use good posture: sit up straight or stand in front of your computer.
• Breathe deeply from your abdomen and not from the top of your chest.
• Loosen up and relax: stretch your arms, shoulders, neck, and jaw muscles.
• Keep your vocal chords moist. Take sips of water regularly (use a straw so you don’t have to move the microphone).
• Do not speak in a loud voice or in any way that is stressful to you.
• Do not dictate for longer than is comfortable.