How to dictate in Word, and in every other app
SpeakApp reads your AI agents' replies aloud, one after another. You say “ok”, answer, say “enter”, and your message goes into the right session, with no window to hunt down. Dictation completes that loop: it writes your words at the cursor in Word, but also in your browser, your messaging app or your CRM. Word has its own Dictate command, for Microsoft 365 subscribers; SpeakApp doesn't depend on Word.
How do you dictate in Word with SpeakApp?
- Open your document and click where the text should appear: the cursor must be there.
- Start dictation: Ctrl + Shift + Space, or the word “ok” when no reply is waiting for you.
- Speak. To finish, say “stop”: the text is pasted into the document and nothing is sent.
- Review and fix a proper name if needed. A word you correct can be remembered by the personal dictionary.
The text arrives when you stop. In Precise mode (the original mode), transcription happens afterwards and the text arrives a little later with the best quality. In Fast mode it is pasted as soon as you stop. Ctrl + Alt + X cancels: nothing is pasted.
Choose the dictation language in the settings. If the writing language is different, SpeakApp translates.
How is that different from Word's Dictate command?
According to Microsoft's help, Word's dictation starts from Home, then Dictate. It needs an active Microsoft 365 subscription, being signed in, a microphone and a reliable internet connection. It stays inside Word, which sets it apart from a dictation that follows your cursor.
| Dictate in Word | SpeakApp | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it works | In Word | At the cursor, in Windows apps |
| What you need | Microsoft 365 subscription, sign-in, internet | SpeakApp and a microphone. Free plan with volume limits |
| Start | Home, then Dictate | Ctrl + Shift + Space, or “ok” |
| Your AI agents' replies | Out of scope | Read one after another. You answer by voice |
What about other apps?
Since dictation follows the cursor, you can chain: a paragraph in Word, an email to a client, a note in your CRM, a message in the team chat. No per-app setup. For the words that come back in your work, a client name, an acronym, the personal dictionary does the rest.
Where does the listening loop fit in?
While you write, your AI agents keep working. Their replies are read to you one after another. You say “ok”, answer, say “enter”, and the message goes into the right session. It is a separate feature from dictation: dictation writes a text, the loop follows conversations.
Keep reading
SpeakApp is available on Windows, coming soon to Mac. See pricing for the free plan and its volume limits.
Frequently asked questions
How can I convert my voice to text in Microsoft Word?
Two ways. In Word: Home, then Dictate, which needs a Microsoft 365 subscription, sign-in and a microphone. With SpeakApp: cursor in the document, Ctrl + Shift + Space, speak, say “stop”.
How do I enable voice typing?
Put your cursor in a text field and press Windows + H for Windows voice typing, or Ctrl + Shift + Space for SpeakApp's dictation. Then speak.
How do I dictate in Excel?
Microsoft's Dictate page I read covers Word. With SpeakApp, dictation writes at the cursor in Windows apps, so put the cursor where the text should go and try it on a short phrase first.
Can I dictate in apps other than Word?
Yes. SpeakApp writes at the cursor in Windows apps, including your browser and your messaging tools.
Does Word's dictation work on Mac?
Microsoft lists Option + F1 to start Dictate on Mac. SpeakApp is available on Windows, coming soon to Mac.
Try SpeakApp
SpeakApp is available on Windows, coming soon to Mac. Download SpeakApp or join the Mac waiting list. To see the whole product first: What is SpeakApp?