[Libs-Or] Tech-Talk: WINDOWS - Talk to Your Computer: Microsoft Speech Services

Tue Feb 24 16:57:58 PST 2026

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WINDOWS - Talk to Your PC: Microsoft Speech Services

Intermediate

[A white microphone icon is centered on a dark background, with stylized vertical sound waves extending outwards on both sides of the microphone.]

Have you wished you could just say what you wanted to write instead of typing it all out? Good news, you can!

The tool is already built into Windows… it's Microsoft Speech Services. It turns your spoken words into text…no typing required. This built-in Windows feature makes writing faster and more accessible.

Many of us dictate messages on the phone; this is the same, but on your computer!

Why Use Microsoft Speech Services

Microsoft Speech Services supports productivity and accessibility.

This feature is helpful because it can:

·     Save time. Speaking is often faster than typing.
·     Reduce physical strain. Voice typing gives your hands a break.
·     Support accessibility. It reduces barriers to writing.

How to Turn The Service On

While this feature is already on your computer, you do have to turn it on. To start Microsoft Speech Services, press the Windows key + H.

To help you remember the letter "H", think of Hear or Hands free!

[A user interface with a central microphone icon, a gear icon on the left, and a question mark icon on the right, suggesting voice input, settings, and help options. An 'X' for closing is in the top right corner.]

A small microphone toolbar appears. Once it’s active, begin speaking. Your words will appear wherever your cursor is placed.

TIP: Be sure your cursor is in place where you want to type ... a text box, a document, a web page ... and wait a few seconds for it to engage.

CAUTION: Voice typing works only when your device has an active microphone and permission to use it. If nothing happens when you press the Windows key + H, check your microphone and app permissions in system settings.

Speech Service Settings

By clicking the gear icon in the microphone toolbar, you can adjust the settings.

You can turn on Automatic punctuation to add periods and commas to your text. If it’s off, punctuation appears only when you say “period” or “comma.”

You can also choose which microphone you want to use for this by clicking on: Select the default microphone.

This is especially helpful if you use an external microphone and don't want the one within the computer to kick in.

[A settings menu displays options for voice typing, including toggles for voice typing launcher, automatic punctuation, and filter profanity, plus options to select default microphone and give feedback. Information about Microsoft Speech Services appears below.]

When Can You Use Voice Typing?

Microsoft Speech Services works almost anywhere you can type text. This means you can use it in all of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. It also works in web browsers.

If there’s a text cursor, dictation usually works!

TIP: Speak clearly when using Speech Services. Remember, dictated text may contain errors so you always need to review and edit your writing to ensure accuracy. (Actually, it will contain errors ... so look closely!)

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Communications: 12 Power Words #11

"Fair and reasonable..?"

Whether you’re trying to settle a dispute or wanting to convince someone to do something you ask, this phrase (asked as a question) is very powerful. It shows mutual respect and conveys a willingness to work together.

[Two men in business suits sit across from each other at a desk in an office, smiling and talking. Papers, a tablet, and a laptop are on the desk. Shelves with folders are visible in the background.]

Examples:

“Would this be a fair and reasonable solution?”

“Would it be fair and reasonable to ask you to come in 5 minutes early?”

“Would a one-week deadline for this project be fair and reasonable?”

What using this phrase does, is probably self-evident. Using both words together is essential. If you only use “fair”, your offer seems suspect. (“What do you mean “fair”, is there an “unfair” possibility?”)

Only using “reasonable” does the same thing. It opens up the idea that there is an “unreasonable” option.

Using them both together, “fair and reasonable”, somehow comes across as 100% positive and typically results with an agreeable response.

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>

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