I read recently that an author had written three books using speech recognition. I was skeptical because it seemed like there would be way more complications and than need be. On my computer I use windows operating system and it comes with a speech recognition program so I decided to try it today. It worked out really well. It's easy to correct and most of the words that I have said are correct.
So who knows, perhaps I will write my next book using speech recognition. I just need to kick my dog out of the room because any time she makes noise, the speech recognition program wants two record her sounds.
What do you think about speech recognition programs?? Would you ever use it to write your book? Do some of you prefer to type instead of speak?
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22 comments:
I'd like to try it, because sometimes my thoughts go faster than my hands.
I tried a shareware product but it did not go well. I'd say "open document" and the computer would say "you said 'hello'", I'd say "No, I SAID 'open document'" but computer would say "you said blahhhahhha". Then the swearing would begin.
I love the idea of speech recognition because you could use your iPhone to record story on the go, in the car, etc and then play it back to the computer later.
This is a really interesting idea, one that I'd never thought of before. I don't think I'd be able to write an entire manuscript that way, since I can't type 2 paragraphs without having to go back and make obsessive-compulsive adjustments.
This would be great for notes, or for sketching scenes, story ideas, or character profiles. Dang it, now I'm going to have to give this speech-to-text thing a try. :) Going to put it on my to-do list.
~ Tina ~
When I was recording the text for this blog, it wouldn't recognize the word 'blog' and kept wanting to type blonde. I also kept saying 'wants' and it would type 'once'... oh well, I will keep trying to work out the bugs.
ann
I've never used speech recognition software, but I know of one author who swears by it. From what I understand, this type of softwear requires training, and this training it to understand your voice takes a few weeks. Good luck!
I have several students who use speech recognition software. It works pretty well for them for the most part. The program does have to "learn" the student's vocal patterns and there is an option to train the computer to learn specialty words (like blog). Neat stuff.
I don't think I would use it. My brain is trained to type my communications. I think I'd struggle to use voice recognition.
Stephen Tremp
I think it will take me a few weeks to figure it out too.
I don't think everyone could use it but it would be nice to write and fold laundry and make dinner at the same time.
ann
That is so cool! I would definitely try it.
I originaly wrote my manuscript out longhand as I wrote it in a journal while I traveled. Then I used a popular STT program, and it is challenging. Some things it misses as in the case of meet/meat, and if you go to fast, it phoenetically adapts to "what it thinks you said" so you have to beware. It is nice, but my editor found many, many things it took liberty on that spellcheck and other precautions missed. I loved some things, others were a challenge. Good luck!
Yeah, there definitely were challenges. I think I would try a chapter...If I could master it than I would try another but if it took longer than typing... I think I would stop.
ann
Interesting, Ann. Do you like this better than typing?
Never thought of "speaking" a book. What would it be called? Speak-o-script?haha
The problem would be when the program would NOT recognize the words. I think I'd be like Charmaine - lots of swearing! I'd probably turn it into a porn-o-script.lol
I tried using a tape recorder once and it was a disaster. My main problem is that I edit as I write. I go back and read a sentence or a paragraph to make sure it flows before moving on. I think a speech recognition programme would suit me better though because it would just sit and do nothing during those great yawning silences between this word and that. I’m not a big one for change though. And I think I would miss the physicality of writing. I don’t have a dog but I do have a songbird and God alone knows what any software would make out of his car alarm imitations.
I haven't actually done it yet. I think when I start my next book, I want to try it for a few chapters...not sure it will work but some swear by it or to it...
ann
Thanks so much for posting my button, I am now a follower! Very nice posts btw.
While I think learning the ropes and training the software would make for a really funny comedy sketch I can see how useful this could be. I'd certainly be willing to give it a shot. Keep me posted on your progress (and thanks for being my guinea pig ; )). Cat
I suppose like anything else, this will take some getting used to. I used to write everything before plugging into the computer. These days, it's a waste of time, unless I really have to get the story out. I can see how this software would make things a lot easier on my hands.
Thanks, Star.
Cat, at least while writing you can keep yourself entertained and laughing. Who knows, maybe your mistakes can inspire your writing.
This speaking into a microphone think may never take off... we've been typing for long enough.
ann
Hmm, I never thought about it. Although I like to write in silence, I wonder if my own talking would bug me, lol. I do have one of those little voice recorders that I keep in the car for when I get ideas while driving. I use it sometimes but I never actually go back and listen to it. :)
Completely off topic, my verification word is "dedroses". Lol. Very dramatic.
DWAP, I never thought about that aspect. I really hate the sound of my voice and I'm not sure I want to listen to it a whole novel.
Dead roses...lol.
ann
Oh, this is fascinating, Ann! I want to try it! But I'm not sure my rickety computer is compatible. :D
from the desk of a writer
Corra, it came with my computer and Vista...I don't know what OS you have.
ann
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