How to train your Dragon (NaturallySpeaking)
I had previously tried the dictation software that comes with Windows 10 but it was absolutely hopeless at understanding my Aussie accent. I also tried Google Docs and that was no good either. Neither of them could understand the word 'affiliate', which is a word I think I'll be using a lot.. And they didn't appreciate it when I shouted at them.
Long story short, today I bit the bullet. After Kyle writing about dictation software I decided that I would have a go at using Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
When I checked prices I discovered that is because I'm in Australia they want to charge me in Australian dollars. But most of my online income is in US dollars so my PayPal balance had enough money in US dollars but only $50 in Australian. I clicked on Nuance's ad in the Google search results to get the prices in US dollars.
I wasn't sure if I wanted the home version or the premium version so I did some Google research and decided that if I was going to buy it I might as well get the real deal. I opted for the premium version.
As I went through the buying process I saw a tiny little line saying to enter a promo code if I had one. I didn't have one. Perhaps I could Google this and find a promo code. A few clicks, and a bit of exploration and I found the Facebook page where I could get a huge discount.
So I clicked on the button which took me back to the Nuance WebSite. The purchase at the discounted price had been added to the cart so all I had to do was remove the original purchase item and proceed with buying the premium version at the discounted price.
It took ages to download the installation program so I left the computer to its own devices and went out and had dinner with my daughter and grandson.
When I returned I installed dragon NaturallySpeaking and started learning how to use it. And learning how to train my dragon. But I think the dragon is training me. Hmmmm!
This is pretty much my first successful experience with writing a post (or anything) using dictation software. I've had to make a few corrections as we went along but all in all I'm very happy with my new purchase. And my Dragon knows how to spell 'affiliate'.
Are you using dictation software?
Recent Comments
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First off, I loved the title of this post, Marion! Well done. Secondly, I've been considering making this purchase myself. I'm so happy to know there's actually a coupon code that can be used. That is extremely helpful.
Once upon a time, Dragon was a part of the Word Perfect Office Suite. I can only imagine how far this technology has come in the past 20 years.
All the best,
Sue
Hi Marion,
I use Dragon Professional. It's not perfect but can be a big help. I am not a fan of their customer support so hope you don'r encounter any technical glitches.
Currently the Chrome extension crashes after an hour of use and I have to completely reboot my whole computer. Very annoying.
~Mark :)
Ouch. It must be maxing out the CPU or the memory. I'll watch out for that. My new laptop is using Intel Core i7 and has 16 GB memory so I hope I don't have that problem.
Maybe it's the Australian office that is not that hot Catherine. And then again I may have got them on a few bad days. We all have them. :)
Sounds like you should be OK Marion. My laptop is a couple of years old, also Intel Core i7 but just 8 GB.
Thanks, Marion. You just motivated me to make a purchase. It's not just Aussie accents that Windows 10 speech recognition can't deal with. I've been beating myself up with it for the past 2 days. My laptop has a good microphone but I went and bought a headset hoping that would help. Nothing helps! It's completely hopeless and I'm moving on. I'm wondering if Dragon works directly with SiteContent?
Yes, you'll be able to use it on Site Content, but you'll want to install the chrome extension to get it to work. Bear in mind that you will have to edit everything that it writes. I think most of my time is spent editing rather than actual typing so it's not going to really make a lot of difference with the editing time for me.
I have this and have found from my personal viewpoint that when I'm dictating the words actually take longer to enter my mind if that makes sense.
When I'm physically writing there seems to be more of a flow to the process, but the software itself works very well, it's just me :(
Hi Marion, nice to hear that it's working for you.
I saw Kyle's post and another similar one from Craig (Labman).
I can't afford to buy anything until I get sales so I took note of it for now, and also the Google Docs add on which is on our computers that Craig mentioned.
I haven't tried Google Docs yet but will soon!
Thanks so much for the info on Dragon. I've tried Google Docs but wasn't impressed with it. You mentioned to someone that you'll write a new post once you've trained your dragon a bit more. I'll wait until then to see what you think of it. You also mentioned that you can use it on a mobile phone. That would be really handy for me. Once again, thanks for sharing.
In the past, I had considered using dictation software, but after my cancer treatments, I don't speak like I used to. Words get stuck in my head, and it seems I now type better than I speak. I'm hoping that things will get better in the future, but who knows. Glad to hear that Dragon is working out well for you.
Great review. Dragon is the oldest and probably the best product out there. I still like typing. For now.
Funny anecdote: While doing a school district technology plan in West Hartford, CT a few years ago I was interviewing a group of 6th graders. One little boy earnestly asked me:
Why do I have to learn cursive writing when I'll be using a computer and why do I need to learn to type when I'll be talking to my computer?
Sometimes it's hard to argue with the logic of a kid..... :)
Thanks, Marion. Have a great weekend.
well I argue about the cursive writing because it creates neuro pathways in the brain that can't be created any other way. But on the typing, he had me.
I know about dragons, just from years of experience!
I know how Windows 10 feels with that Aussie accent, I can only empathize with it! It must be very difficult for it cope day in and day out with requests for Foster's, 4X, XXXX, Castlemaine, didgeridoo doo.......! Lol
I am sure you would slap me if you had longer arms Marion!
Congratulations, a few members are dabbling with voice activation lately.
Just a pointer, did you intend for it to come through in Chinese Language?
It's difficult to understand so my response is improvised a little. At least I can interpret Chinese dragon talk from an Australian accent.
Thanks for the post, a success story! Enjoy!
Wayne
Yeah, if you can't spell 'beer' then write four Xs (XXXX).
Dang it's Cantonese and I wanted Mandarin. I wonder how the Dragon will cope if I get my grandson to talk to it in Japanese.
Lol!
I was dreading your reply, I thought you going to give me such a telling off for my cheek!
Mandarin, you like fruit as well? Just my humour! I think it’s mainly mandarin spoken where I am at the moment.
Good luck with the chatty thing, have fun!
Wayne
Isn't it amazing that the software can translate from Aussie English to the most appropriate language based on your geolocation.
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LOL! Oh Marion, I couldn't help but laugh about you shouting at your Dragon - since we have had similar shouting matches here on our end too!
WOW, you want to tell me that you have "spoken" this post? ;-) LOL! Hmmm.... I'll have to tell my Dragon to shape up!
Thanks for sharing!
Sharlee (Chocolate IceCream)
Yes, I spoke the post and made a few edits afterwards. I missed a couple of things but it turned out mostly OK. I used Notepad first then copied and pasted because I'm still not sure what I'm doing :)
Inspired by your post, I fired my Dragon up again, but I think mine is half stupid or something. LOL! It probably battles with my accent.
You've done very well by the looks of it!
Do I have to make all changes by voice, or can I jump on my mouse and keyboard when my Dragon is too slow to my liking and delete what I want to be deleted, for instance? Or will I have to work on my patience simultaneously? ;-) LOL!
Sharlee (Chocolate IceCream)
You may have to retrain your dragon Sharlee. Go through the reading stuff aloud bit again. Click on Help > Interactive Tutorial and see if you can whip it into shape.
I don't know if you're supposed to do it this way but I stop and make corrections as I go.