I love how 'Microsoft 365 Dictate' is changing my hybrid world.
Now I'm working from home, and the kids are back at school. I can make the most of a quiet study, fast internet and a hot cuppa!
"It's wonderful and so peaceful!"
As part of a project, I was investigating Microsofts inclusive design principles. Such a practical and insightful approach: Seek out exclusions and use them as opportunities for new ideas and inclusive design. Genius.
We sure have enough exclusions; learning from them is the investment. Here is the plan:
Recognise exclusion
Solve, for one, extend to many
Learn from diversity.
Global Diversity and Inclusion
As I continued with my research, I watched a series of videos. For the first time, I experienced the self-introduction of pronouns and a brief description of the speaker to help the audience visualise who is talking.
Hi, my name is Steve, I identify as he/him.
I'm wearing a blue shirt and have short dark hair.
I was genuinely taken aback and pleased to see how these simple inclusions made a difference towards a more productive and digitally inclusive workplace. It is wonderful to see how they are charging ahead, where others will follow.
While I have no visual constraints, It ticked something in my brain, and I started using the 'Dictate' feature in my new quiet surroundings for typing my emails and notes. Perfect!
I found that dictating gives me the mental space to think more openly. I'm more focused on what I'm saying, broadening my thinking - than typing the letters on the keyboard.
Microphone Icon from Microsoft 365
The Dictate microphone icon is on the home tab of the ribbon for Word, Outlook, OneNote and PowerPoint.
So, don't type. Talk.
Woman with dark hair and a yellow top, smiling and working on a computer.
Dictate now has thirteen (13) supported languages, and Microsoft 365 are constantly working to improve and add more.
Available now: Chinese Simplified, Chinese (Taiwanese), English (US, UK, Aus, Can, Ind), French (France, Canada), German, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil, Portugal), Russian, Spanish (Mexico, Spain), Thai.
One potential confusion is "Speech Recognition". However, its purpose is to enable users to activate voice control to navigate the computer desktop, control panel, various apps, etc.
Whereas 'Dictate' is used within a text field and focuses on converting voice to text.
Visit this link to download the 'Punctuation Commands'
There's a wide range of punctuation commands. Click the link above to see what works for you. When you say keywords, they activate a response within your type. For example, if I say "new line." Then the cursor starts a new line below. If I was to say "new paragraph."
We jump a full line down, so the cursor starts a new paragraph.
There are many different commands; I'm printing them out and sticking them all over my wall to help me memorise and start using them more.
Some are easy to remember, like "winky face" ;) others are new to me. Like [command open bracket / close bracket] and (Open parenthesis) - the term used for the curved version.
It takes a bit to get used to, and of course, nothing is 100%, so go back through and double-check everything you have written. But that is good practice ;)
Sometimes I talk slow, sometimes I'm fast, and it's able to follow along well regardless. I may have to wait for the letters to appear on the screen a moment after, but otherwise, I love it.
So, don't forget about that little microphone sitting there in the right hand corner. Check it out and see if it can help give you back some time in your day.
Troubleshoot; Dictate is only available to Microsoft 365 subscription users.
Is it not working properly? Check your microphone and internet speed. If you have any trouble finding the icon or using the features, visit this link: If dictation in Office isn't working (microsoft.com)
Emma Bannister
CEO, Presentation Studio