Dragon by Nuance: Powerful Dictation and Computer Control, for a Price

Dragon by Nuance is pretty incredible: It offers very accurate dictation into every computer program (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Google Apps like Docs and Sheets, and more) and also lets you control your computer with your voice alone. It is available for Microsoft Windows computers only - and as one might expect from something so powerful, it is very expensive.

Luckily, students who are enrolled in the Skyline College Educational Access Center can use Dragon in our lab. Please contact our Assistive Technology Specialist for more information.

How to Create and Save a User Profile

When you launch Dragon, you’ll see the “Open User Profile” window.
Click New and then Next on the following screen.
Type your name into the “Enter a name:” box and click Next.
Unless you speak another language, leave the default “Select your region:” as United States, then click the arrow in the “Select your accent” drop-down menu and choose the accent that is closest to your own. Click Next.
Note: Dragon recognizes several languages. If you wish to control your computer and dictate text in a language other than English, then select the appropriate region where that language is dominant.
In the “Choose an Audio Device” window make sure that your microphone is selected and click Next.
In the “Check Microphone” window follow the directions to make sure your mic is positioned correctly, then click Next.
Note: Don't speed through the microphone setup - take your time, and follow the directions carefully.
Read the sample text on screen, in your normal speaking voice, until the program prompts you to stop. Don’t worry about stutters or pauses.
Choose whether to share your usage information with Dragon, then click Next.
Click Next at the final screen, and you’re ready to go.

Tip: I suggest working through the Interactive Tutorial before you start using Dragon. While this module contains how-tos and some voice commands, the tutorial provides much more information and practice using the software.

Video: Getting Started with Dragon