Jonathan uses voice-recognition software to generate the basic 'typed'
manuscripts of his novels, and the current version in use is IBM ViaVoice Pro Millennium
Edition, although the
versions
on sale are changing fairly regularly. To begin with, Jonathan evaluated various company's products, but found that, for
his purpose, IBM software gave the most consistent results, was easier to
'train' and simpler to edit.
About the software:
The present IBM software can recognise 100,000 UK English words, even from
initial use, and it is possible to add an additional 64,000 specialist words by 'training'
it.
If you 'train' the software with specialist words as you go along, you
can expect to spend quite a long time to increase the software's vocabulary.
However, it's actually possible to speed up the voice-recognition training
process by
allowing the software to analyse existing documents, so that it knows any unusual words or
names that you use on a regular basis.
Advantages:
Work that previously took many weeks to produce can be completed in
days, and the risk of repetitive stress injuries is greatly reduced.
Although various company's claim
ever-increasing degrees of accuracy for their products, experience has shown
that, in a 'well-trained' condition, this type of software can produce text with up to
about 90% accuracy on a regular basis: a level which allows for quick correction
and editing, and easily makes up for the time saving in producing the original
draft.
A tip:
Before deciding about using voice-recognition software on your computer,
a word of warning. Storing the voice files uses a lot of computer
memory and can slow down the computer. Also, utilising the software within a program
such as Microsoft Word can slow the computer system down even further due to the size of the
Word program itself.
For optimum results, in terms of speed and software
compatibility, it is sometimes better to use the notepad in the voice-recognition software to
produce the original text, edit/correct the work regularly, and try not to save
the voice files. When you're ready, copy and paste the notepad text into the
word document of choice.
