There are lots of ways to improve the performance of your voice recognition software, including reconfiguring the microphone or headset, toning down an accent, getting rid of background noise, and avoiding words that aren’t in the software’s dictionary (or adding them).
If you use voice recognition software you’re well aware of the mistakes that can occur. The most common interruption is with voice recognition software asking “What?” or “What was that?”. [Image 1] This is almost always due to how the user says the words, but can also be due to background noise or a poorly configured microphone or headset.
Here are some tips to help you get better performance from your voice recognition software:
- Make sure the microphone is close enough that it can receive your voice commands, but far enough away that you aren’t peaking out when you do sound tests.
- If you’re using a microphone, get a headset.
- Before speaking, make sure the software is ready to receive a command. [See Image 2] [See Image 3]
The figures below show two common command choices. The first shows that the microphone is on, which may or may not mean the application is ready to accept commands. The second shows the application is ready to receive a voice command.
Here are some additional tips to try:
- If you have a cold or the sniffles, wait until you’re better before making any changes to the settings.
- Get rid of any background noise including fans, phones, heaters, and microwave ovens.
- If you have a thick accent, work through the voice recognition software several times to help train it.
- Avoid words that are not in the dictionary, and if possible add the ones you must use.
- Go over the application commands, shortcuts, and features. You may be able to get better responses by using these features properly.
- Enunciate clearly, don’t slur the words, and speak more slowly than you normally would. This will offer better results immediately.
- Access the manufacturer’s Web site for tips for better performance, and check for software updates and patches a few times a year.
- Learn the commands for opening and closing menus and other items. You can also learn about dictating compound words, improving accuracy, and creating new commands from the User’s Guide.