How to use Voice Typing in Windows, Microsoft 365, & Google Docs

Key Concepts

Voice typing, dictation, voice commands, Windows 11, Microsoft Office apps (Word, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint), Google Docs, accessibility settings, voice access, punctuation, formatting, editing, voice typing launcher.

Windows 11 Voice Typing

• Main Topic: Using voice to type and command a PC in Windows 11.
• Key Points:
  • Launch dictation tool by pressing Windows key + H.
  • Dictation works in any text field (e.g., Notepad, Gmail).
  • Automatic punctuation can be enabled in settings.
  • Basic commands like "new paragraph" are supported.
  • Comprehensive list of voice typing commands available via the question mark icon within the dictation tool, which links to a Microsoft support page.
  • Voice typing launcher automatically launches the tool when clicking into a text field.
• Step-by-Step Process:
  1. Open a text field (e.g., Notepad).
  2. Press Windows key + H to launch dictation.
  3. Speak to dictate text.
  4. Use voice commands (e.g., "new paragraph").
  5. Click the microphone icon or say "stop listening" to stop dictation.
  6. Enable automatic punctuation in settings (gear icon).
  7. Enable voice typing launcher in settings for automatic activation.

Windows 11 Voice Access

• Main Topic: Commanding the entire PC using voice in Windows 11.
• Key Points:
  • Enable voice access in accessibility settings (search for "voice typing" in the start menu).
  • Voice access bar appears at the top of the screen.
  • Use voice commands to open/close applications, maximize windows, and dictate text.
  • Comprehensive list of voice access commands available via the question mark icon on the voice access bar.
• Step-by-Step Process:
  1. Search for "voice typing" in the start menu and open accessibility settings.
  2. Toggle on "voice access."
  3. Click the microphone icon on the voice access bar to activate.
  4. Use voice commands to control the PC (e.g., "Open Edge," "Maximize window").
  5. Use voice commands to dictate text within applications.
• Example: "Open Edge, maximize window, KevinCookieCompany.com, enter, close Edge, open Notepad."

Microsoft Office Apps Voice Dictation

• Main Topic: Using voice dictation within Microsoft Office applications (Word, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Key Points:
  • Dictation tool available on the Home tab in the ribbon (voice category).
  • Supports dictation, formatting (e.g., "bold"), and list creation (e.g., "start list," "new line").
  • Comprehensive list of commands available via the question mark icon within the dictation tool.
• Example: Within Microsoft Word, "Here's a list of my favorite cookies, colon, bold favorite, start list, chocolate chip, new line, snickerdoodle, new line, oatmeal raisin, delete last sentence."
• Additional Functionality: More catered towards authoring a document.

Google Docs Voice Typing

• Main Topic: Using voice typing within Google Docs.
• Key Points:
  • Access voice typing via Tools > Voice typing (or Ctrl+Shift+S).
  • Supports dictation and punctuation.
  • Comprehensive list of commands available via the question mark icon on the voice typing tool.
  • Similar functionality to Windows and Office apps.
• Step-by-Step Process:
  1. Open Google Docs.
  2. Go to Tools > Voice typing (or press Ctrl+Shift+S).
  3. Click the microphone icon to start listening.
  4. Speak to dictate text.
  5. Click the microphone icon again to stop listening.
  6. Use voice commands for formatting and editing.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The video demonstrates how voice typing and voice commands have become highly accessible and effective across various platforms, including Windows 11, Microsoft Office applications, and Google Docs. The presenter, Kevin, highlights the ease of use, accuracy, and range of commands available, encouraging viewers to leverage these tools to reduce typing and improve productivity. The key takeaway is that voice technology offers a viable alternative to traditional typing, with options available regardless of the operating system or software suite being used.