Use Speech to text in Google Docs to Save Time and Boost Productivity

Have you ever wished you could type faster and easier in Google Docs? Do you have difficulties with typing, spelling or grammar? Or perhaps you just want to save some time and energy by talking instead of writing. If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might want to try the speech to text feature in Google Docs.

Furthermore, here are some quick steps to use speech to text feature in google docs:

  • First, open document file in Google Docs.
  • Next, select Tools from the menu bar at the top.
  • Then, select Voice typing.
  • After that, a microphone icon will appear. Click on it to access the microphone settings and allow Google Docs to use your microphone.
  • Now, speak clearly and at a normal pace.
  • Finally, when you’re done speaking, click the microphone icon again.

Speech to text, also known as voice typing feature that allows you to dictate your words in Google Docs using your microphone.

Furthermore, you can use it to create and edit documents, add punctuation, format text, and more. It’s a great way to increase your productivity, improve your accuracy, and make your writing process more enjoyable.

Additionally, in this blog post, we’ll show you how to use Google Docs’ voice recognition tool to convert speech to text,what the benefits and limitations of this feature are, and some tips and tricks to get the most out of it.

How to do speech to text on Google Docs ?

To use speech to text in Google Docs, you must have a Chrome browser and a working microphone. Here are the detailed steps:

Open Google Docs:

  • First, go to the Google Docs website and create a new document or open an existing one.
go to google docs and select the doc file to use speech to text on google docs

Enable voice typing:

  • Then, click Tools in the menu bar.
click on the tools to use speech to text google docs
  • Next, select Voice Typing from the menu options.
select voice typing option from the menu
  • Alternatively, use Ctrl + Shift + S on your keyboard to do this.

Choose your language:

  • Now, click the English (US) drop-down menu (or the appropriate language) and select the language you want to use for voice typing.
  • Additionally, you can also change the voice typing language by clicking the dropdown menu in the microphone box and selecting a different language. Google Docs supports over 100 languages and accents for voice typing.
select the language from down menu to use speech to text google docs
  • However, if you want to write only in English, leave it as is.

Start Speaking:

  • Furthermore, make sure your microphone is working and turned on.
  • Moreover, click the microphone icon that appears in the document.
click on the microphone icon to use speech to text google docs
  • Speak clearly at a normal volume and pace. You can use commands like “period”, “comma”, “new line”, “new paragraph” to add punctuation and formatting. In addition, you can also say “undo” or “delete” to fix mistakes.
  • Consequently, to stop voice typing, click the microphone icon again or say “stop listening.” You can also use advanced voice commands to perform actions such as inserting tables, adding comments, or changing fonts.
click the microphone icon again or say stop listening to stop

Also Check: How to change margins in Google Docs ?

How to turn on voice typing on Google Docs on Mac ?

Do you want to write faster and easier in Google Docs? Do you want to save time and avoid typos? If yes, you should try speech to text in Google Docs.

In fact, voice typing or speech to text is a feature that allows you to dictate your text with your voice instead of a keyboard. Specifically, in this section, we will show you how to activate voice typing in Google Docs on Mac.

  • First, make sure you have a working microphone and a Chromium-based browser, such as Chrome, Edge, or Brave. Then, go to the microphone settings in your browser and enable the permission for Google Docs.
  • Next, open a Google Document in your browser and click Tools menu > Voice Typing. Then, select the document language from the drop-down menu next to the microphone icon.
  • Then, a microphone box will pop up. Click on it when you’re ready to talk.
  • After that, speak clearly, at a normal volume and pace. You can use punctuation commands such as “comma,” “period,” or “question mark.” You can also use formatting commands such as say “create a numbered list” to start a numbered list, or say “clear formatting” to remove all formatting from the selected text.
  • Lastly, when you’re done, click the microphone again to stop voice typing.
  • Additionally, you can also use keyboard shortcuts to start and stop voice typing. Specifically, press Ctrl + Shift + S (Cmd + Shift + S on a Mac) to turn the microphone on and off.
  • Moreover, you can fix errors when voice typing by moving the cursor to the error and correcting it manually or with suggestions. Finally, you can also use voice commands to format, edit, or navigate your document.

Also Check: Insert signature in Google Docs

How to use voice typing on Google Docs on Phone ? (Android or iPhone)

Voice typing is a convenient and fast way to create documents on your phone. With voice typing or speech to text, you can use your voice to type, edit, and format your text in Google Docs.

In section, we’ll show you how to use voice typing in Google Docs on your mobile device, whether you have an Android or an iPhone.

  • First, make sure you have Gboard installed and enabled on your Android or iPhone device. In fact, Gboard is Google’s keyboard app that supports voice typing.
  • Next, open the Google Docs app and create or open a document.
  • After that, tap the pencil icon at the bottom right to start editing.
  • Then, tap the microphone button at the top right of the keyboard to start voice typing. You will see a red dot indicating that the microphone is listening.
  • Additionally, speak clearly and at a normal pace. You can use a variety of voice commands to insert punctuation, such as “comma,” “period,” or “question mark.”
  • Finally, when you’re done, tap the microphone icon again to stop voice typing.

Also Check: Google VPS cloud future of cloud computing

What are some pros and cons of using speech to text on Google Docs ?

Using speech to text in Google Docs can be a convenient and fast way to create documents with your voice. However, it also has some limitations and challenges. Here is a table that summarizes some of the pros and cons of using speech to text in Google Docs:

ProsCons
1. Hands-free typing1. Accuracy may vary
2. Increased typing speed2. Difficulty with specialized terms
3. Accessibility for disabilities3. Background noise interference
4. Convenient for multitasking4. Requires internet connection
5. Reduces typing strain5. Privacy concerns
6. Voice commands for formatting6. Limited language support

How to get the most out of speech to text in Google Docs ?

Speech to text in Google Docs is a feature that allows you to create documents with your voice. It can save you time, improve your productivity, and make typing easier and faster. In section, we’ll share some tips and tricks on how to get the most out of speech-to-text in Google Docs:

Hardware and Setup

  • Microphone: A high-quality external microphone can improve your audio clarity. Avoid using in-built microphone, as they can be unreliable.
  • Noise Reduction: Second, minimize background noise by finding a quiet space or using noise-cancelling headphones.
  • Browser: Next, Google Chrome is currently the only supported browser for voice typing in Google Docs. Ensure you’re using the latest version.
  • Permissions: Finally, grant microphone access to Google Docs when prompted.

Speaking and Dictation

  • Clarity: First, speak clearly and at a moderate pace, enunciating each word carefully.
  • Pace: Second, avoid speaking too fast or slow, as it can affect accuracy.
  • Punctuation: Next, use voice commands like “period,” “comma,” and “new paragraph” to dictate punctuation.
  • Editing Later: Furthermore, don’t worry about perfect grammar or sentence structure while dictating. Edit and refine your text later.
  • Technical Terms: Finally, pronounce technical terms clearly and slowly, especially if they contain numbers or symbols.

Voice Commands

  • Learn the Basics: First, familiarize yourself with basic voice commands like “select all,” “copy,” “paste,” and “undo.”
  • Formatting: Second, use voice commands to format text, such as bold, italics, and underline.
  • Navigation: Next, navigate your document using commands like “go to line number” or “move to the top/bottom.”
  • Dictation Control: Finally, pause dictation by saying “stop listening” and resume with “start listening.”

Additional Tips

  • Practice: First, the more you use speech-to-text, the more comfortable and accurate you’ll become.
  • Customization: second, explore the voice typing options in Google Docs settings to adjust microphone sensitivity and language preferences.
  • Feedback: Lastly, use the “Send feedback” option to report any accuracy issues or suggest improvements.   

Why is text-to-speech not working on Google Docs ?

There are several possible reasons why text-to-speech might not work in Google Docs, including:

  • First, you are not using a Chromium-based browser, such as Chrome, Edge, or Brave. Text-to-speech only works in these browsers.
  • Second, you have not installed or enabled the ChromeVox extension, which is required for text-to-speech to work in Google Docs.
  • Additionally, you have not granted microphone access to Google Docs in your browser settings.
  • Moreover, you didn’t select the text you want to hear or click Accessibility > Speak > Speak Selection in Google Docs.
  • Finally, you have a bad Internet connection or a Google server error.

Fix text to speech not working in Google Docs

  • First, switch to a Chromium-based browser and make sure it is updated to the latest version.
  • Second, install and enable the ChromeVox extension in your browser and follow the instructions to set it up.
  • Next, check your browser settings and allow Google Docs to access your microphone.
  • After that, select the text you want to hear and click Accessibility > Speak > Speak Selection in Google Docs.
  • Finally, check your Internet connection and reload the Google Docs page.

​Conclusion

In conclusion, speech to text in Google Docs is a powerful and convenient feature that can help you create documents with your voice. Consequently, it can save you time, increase your productivity, and make typing easier and faster.

You can use it on any device, whether it’s a PC, Mac, or phone. Additionally, you can also choose from over 100 languages and accents for voice typing feature.

Moreover, you can use voice commands to add punctuation, format text, edit documents, and more. Furthermore, you can also correct any errors with your keyboard or mouse. Lastly, speech to text conversion in Google Docs is a great tool for anyone who wants to write better and faster.

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)

How do I turn on Speech-to-Text in Google Docs ?

Open a document in Google Docs with a Chrome browser and click Tools > Voice Typing.
Click the microphone icon that appears and speak clearly to dictate your text.

How do you get Google Docs to speak text ?

For Google Docs to read text, you must:
Install and enable the ChromeVox extension in your Chrome browser.
Select the text you want to hear and click Accessibility > Speak > Speak Selection in Google Docs.

Is Google Docs voice typing free ?

Yes, Google Docs voice typing is free. You can use it to write and edit documents with your voice in Google Docs or Google Slides speaker notes.


Content Writer

Smith Ron, the writer at Assistme360. He has extensive experience in crafting straightforward, step-by-step guides for technical issues. His broad knowledge ensures accurate solutions. Kindly spare a moment to drop a comment down and express your opinions. Your feedback can be valuable in assisting others who may come across similar problems.


Leave a Comment