Using Speech Recognition

You can use Excel's built-in speech recognition features to enter text into cells on your worksheet, making repetitive typing a little easier. You can also use your voice to control menus, toolbars, and dialog boxes in the Excel user interface. Before doing so, you need to train the speech recognition software to recognize your voice.

Training Your Computer and Your Voice

The first time you use speech recognition or click the Microphone button on the Language bar, Voice Training guides you through the process of teaching your computer to recognize your voice. In the first training session, you'll be asked to read several paragraphs of prepared text entitled “Introduction to Microsoft Speech Recognition,” while the wizard listens and records data about the characteristics of your voice. You need to allocate 15 or 20 minutes to this task, and you should wait until you can proceed undisturbed and when extraneous noise is at a minimum.