Speech Recognition with Accuracy

Speech recognition results in maximum productivity when the user focuses on accuracy. Because each mistake made adds time onto the correction process, it's worth investing a little extra time to improve accuracy from the very beginning. This is especially vital for people with dyslexia who are likely to have more difficulty finding and correcting errors.

Discrete or Continuous Speech?

Years ago, speech recognition programs called for discrete speech, meaning users were required to separate each word with short pauses in between them. At the time, a few people were suggesting obsolete discrete speech programs until the technology became more beneficial to individuals with speaking difficulties and other disabilities. Today's speech recognition technology revolves around continuous speech, which is more comprehensive and offers better accuracy. These programs have become so efficient that experts no longer recommend discrete speech software.

Working with the Microphone

In order to promote accuracy in speech recognition, it is essential to make sure your microphone is properly adjusted. Believe it or not, this is a leading cause of frustration and failed results. The disadvantage plaguing users is that some speech recognition programs will indicate that your microphone is working appropriately, when it is actually far from an optimal position. This is a trying situation for the beginner that has no idea how to adjust the microphone or how the system will perform at all. At the same time, speech recognition begins with adjustments and if they are not made, this process could prove very tedious and pointless in the end.

Choosing a Microphone

You should always keep in mind that any microphone provided with a speech recognition program is generic and not necessarily designed for the best results. Although they might be enough for decent sound input under favorable conditions, more often than not they lack in quality. These microphones may also be nearly impossible to adjust and refuse to stay in position. If it moves too far away, the signal is weaker and defeats the purpose of the adjustment. If it moves in too close, you could end up brushing your face against it or speaking too loud, all of which result in poor sound quality and terrible speech recognition.

Fortunately, there are several microphones that will help to provide the accuracy you're looking for. In many cases, this makes the difference in whether speech recognition is a success or disaster. Some popular models are the TalkMic and the Andrea NC91. Regardless of which brand you choose, be sure to select a microphone with the following traits:

- Not too big or small, but appropriate for you and your work space's size
- Designed for accuracy
- Comfortable
- Stays in position
- Minimizes interference from background sound

Training the Speech Recognition Software

The best way to enjoy accuracy with speech recognition is to train the program you're working with. Because you want the software to recognize your voice, you will be required to read prepared scripts into the machine. As you learn, so will the software, as your corrections should help it understand you accurately. Although someone with reading difficulties may be inclined to skip the training process, anyone that doesn't should certainly follow through.