Are You Talking to Me?

“Computer, hello computer…a keyboard, how quaint.” Although we are not quite to the point of simply talking to our computers to get the response we want, there are ways of getting our messages heard by speaking instead of typing. (The quote is from a great scene in a fun movie – 10 points if you can name the movie, and if you can’t, we reveal at the end of the article, so keep reading).

What Did You Say?

For everyone who can talk faster than they can type, being able to create documents, reports, blog posts, and even email messages by speaking into the microphone on your headset is a great option. It can increase efficiency, as long as you keep your eyes on the screen. Dictating your text is not 100 percent foolproof. Make sure you take the time to proofread the results, otherwise you may wind up with sentences that don’t make sense, or worse, sentences that have a different meaning than you intended because of a erroneous word!

Dragon Naturally Speaking is a great tool for getting the word out. How many times have you been stuck staring at a blank screen, waiting for inspiration to give you that first sentence? Or maybe you have so much to say that your fingers can’t keep up with your thoughts.  When you see the words start to fill the screen as you speak them, it can be very motivating. However, improved production is only one benefit. I have spoken to people who not only get documents finished faster, but being able to speak their text has increased the frequency of their email communications as well.

The ease of creating an email message immediately following a phone call can substantially improve your business relationships. Restating what was discussed helps you retain the information while creating the email message at the same time. Then simply send the message to confirm the conversation with everyone else from the phone call.

Dragon Naturally Speaking’s setup process consists of installing software, plugging in the headset (which is included in the box), a few mouse clicks, and then it’s all about what you have to say. Initially, you are saying what the software prompts you to say, so it can learn how you speak. Once the setup is complete, it continues to learn, so the more you use it, the better it works.

Can You Hear Me?

If you are ready to broadcast in primetime, then forget creating documents and emails, and go straight for the re-playable audio file. The written word can be elegant, but spoken can get the message across with inflection by adding personality and emotion to your message.

AudioAcrobat.com is an online recording service that quickly, and easily, allows you to create audio recordings in various formats. You can record using a microphone, or, go the low-tech route and call it in. Yes, you can record your message over the phone. The cool thing is that you can publish the recordings to get your message out to the world, or at least your corner of it. The audio files can be downloaded and stored locally, or published to your website where visitors can listen to your message. Audio messages can make a positive impact to your sales and marketing efforts as some people prefer to listen than read.

We Are Here, We Are Here, We Are Here!

By far the easiest way to get your voice heard with the least amount of technical know-how is shoutomatic.com. The audio equivalent of “tweeting”, all you have to do is log on and record. And similarly to Twitter, you have limited “space,” or time for your message, so keep is short. Another benefit of shoutomatic.com is that you don’t have to download or handle the audio file in any way (but you can if you want to). Once it is recorded and approved, it is live. Simply link to it from your website, blog, or in an email (maybe an email that you dictated).

You can easily create a series of audio files that display on your shoutomatic.com profile, and listen to what everyone else has to say as well. The recordings can also automatically post to Twitter and Facebook to help you spread the word.

Are you ready to start talking to your computer? Scotty from Star Trek certainly prefers it. The quote that started this whole conversation is from Star Trek, The Voyage Home, and here is the scene.