Nearly 10 years ago a client of mine suggested I look at
a software program that enables people to dictate into their computer instead
of typing or pecking away at the keyboard. I was skeptical, I must admit. Would
it be accurate? Would it recognize my voice? Would I spend more time
programming and fixing the narrative than actually pecking away? Despite all
these questions I was still intrigued.
I vividly remember my sisters who were taught to type in
high school in the ‘60s but I myself was never taught how to type properly. In
fact, I doubt they even have typing classes any longer. I tried to teach myself
using the TypingMaster program on my Apple II E nearly 40 years ago, but my
fingers were just too fat and I couldn’t get the hang of it (I know, more
excuses). A few weeks after my encounter with my “typing-free” client, I met
the CMO of Nuance software, Peter Mahoney, by coincidence at a professional
networking event. We sat next to each other over dinner and had a revealing and
stimulating conversation about the benefits of his software, Dragon
NaturallySpeaking, and how it was integrating into business all over
the place. At the end of the evening he offered to send me a demonstration copy
of the software and a headphone for me to try out. I graciously accepted his
offer.
Now, I am not a technology guru by any means, but I
unpacked the software, installed it quite easily and started dictating right
way. At first it was admittedly a little clunky. I had to repeat words and the
software was not able to recognize my voice properly. I emailed my new friend
Peter who offered to have one of their technicians properly install the
software on my computer. It turned out I just needed a better microphone
headset (which they sent me immediately). Some more brief tech modifications
and off I was, dictating away.
That was nearly 10 years ago and I still meet with Peter
once a quarter for breakfast just to catch up and share stories. Each time we
meet I can’t stop singing the praises of Dragon NaturallySpeaking software.
Sure, there were little glitches from time to time when my computer went
through software upgrades, but with a couple patches and support from their tech
center I was quickly back to speed and on my way to effortless and accurate
dictation.
Here are the five top reasons why I love Dragon
NaturallySpeaking software:
1. It’s fun. I’ve been able
to train my mind to be more creative and think innovatively without having to
look at my keyboard and think about everything I’m going to say. My ideas are
sharper and thoughts are better thought out.
2. Increased speed. I can talk a lot
faster than I could ever type and as a result my day is much more productive,
enables me to produce better and fresh ideas on-the-fly.
3. No more
procrastination. In the past I would put off writing things out because
it would just take too long in longhand. Now I just put on my headset and start
talking without any hesitation.
4. Better expression. I’ve always been
able to express myself orally rather than writing things down. For instance, if
you would give me an assignment and ask me to explain it orally and then ask me
to write down the same thought, the oral presentation would be a lot more compelling
and interesting. It’s just how my mind works.
5. More engaged. Now that I am no
longer burdened by my typing fears I’m able to become fully immersed in my work
and focus on what really matters. In turn, being more engaged fuels my passion
and creativity, allowing me to work harder and smarter.
As an employee brand
engagement consulting firm our company promotes the idea that people
should become more engaged by changing their behavior to support their brand’s
values. Well, I’ve found that using Dragon NaturallySpeaking for business does
indeed enable people’s behavior to focus on the things that matter most, such
as supporting the customer and generating revenue and profitability; less time
is spent on the mechanics of replying to emails and drafting briefs and more is
spent on delivering value to the customer. After all, isn’t that what’s most
important?
Dictated using Dragon NaturallySpeaking for the PC.
