Sony ICD-BP150VTP - Manual (Page 155)

C H A P T E R 1 2 Speaking and Dictating
Dragon NaturallySpeaking User’s Guide 147
the computer, focusing on the page. As you read, pretend the computer
isn’t even there.
Reading aloud will help you get used to talking to the computer. After a
bit of practice, add in a few sentences of your own thoughts. By starting
to compose your thoughts aloud interspersed with reading, you’ll be able
to overcome any inhibitions you might have.
Easy and chatty
When learning to compose by voice, start with what’s easy. Try dictating
a few sentences about today’s weather, make a list of things to do, or
compose a chatty letter to a friend. Also, some people find that not
looking at the screen while dictating helps avoid distraction.
Complex writing
Save more difficult documents for later, after you’re comfortable
composing simpler texts by voice. To successfully dictate complex
topics, you’ll need the skills of both speaking properly to the computer
and composing intricate prose by dictation. It’s best to practice these
skills one at a time.
Only after you’re skilled at more casual, “chatty” compositions should
you dictate documents that:
■ have difficult or complex subject matter
■ follow a detailed outline
■ use complex sentence structure
■ are aimed at a demanding audience, such as professional colleagues
■ will be widely circulated
Fear of dictating
If you feel inhibited or self-critical when talking to the computer,
remember that the computer doesn’t care what you say or how you
say it. It’s easiest to start writing by voice when no one is around, and
you should ensure this privacy when learning. Practice will make
you less self-conscious. If Dragon NaturallySpeaking
® makes
mistakes while you’re practicing, just laugh at them and fix them
later.