How to Utilize Dictation and Predictive Text in Microsoft Word
Dictation
Dictation lets users use speech-to-text in Microsoft 365. It's a quick and easy way for users to speak their thoughts, take notes, and write papers easily. Users will need a device with a built-in microphone to utilize dictation.
To use Dictation:
1. Open a new or existing Word document.
2. Click on the 'Dictate' icon from the menu.
3. Wait for the microphone button to turn on and start listening.
4. Start speaking to see text appear on the screen.
5. Click on the microphone icon to pause or stop dictation.
6. Click the microphone icon to resume dictation.
7. To change settings, click on the gear next to the microphone icon.
Predictive Text
The Office 365 Online version of Microsoft Word has a built-in predictive text tool. As a user types, it will anticipate the words being typed and display options in a list. The user can click on the word they are trying to type, making typing a faster process, while producing more accurate spelling. To enable the predictive text feature, please follow these instructions:
1. Log into your Office 365 account: portal.office.com
2. Click on Microsoft Word and then click on 'Blank document' to open a new document.
3. In the status bar, which is at the bottom of the Microsoft Word window, you should see “Text Predictions” near the center. It displays a status of either On or Off. Click 'Text Predications' to open the settings.
4. Turn On or Off the toggle next to 'Suggest words or phrases as I type' and then click 'OK'.
5. Start typing in Microsoft Word, and as you type, a dimmed suggested text will display. Sometimes this will be a one word, or it can be a phrase. Press the 'Tab' key or the right arrow key to use the word or phrase it suggests, and the word will automatically be typed.
If you do not want to use the predicted text, just keep typing the words you want. You can also hit Escape to ignore the suggestion.