How to Use AI Dictation: Complete Guide for Beginners
Everything you need to know to start writing by voice effectively, accurately, and productively.
What is AI Dictation?
AI dictation is speech recognition technology powered by artificial intelligence that converts your speech into written text instantly.
Unlike traditional dictation (like Windows Speech Recognition), modern AI dictation uses deep neural networks trained on millions of hours of audio to understand context, accents, and natural language with high accuracy. Whisper Cheap uses the optimized Parakeet V3 architecture, which runs 100% on your computer.
- Converts your voice to text in real-time
- Works completely local on your PC (no cloud uploads)
- Supports 100+ languages with good accuracy
- Optimized for English and Spanish
- Updates automatically as you speak
Benefits of Voice Typing
Voice dictation is not just faster—it fundamentally changes how you think and work. Here are the key benefits.
Write 3x Faster
You speak at ~150 words per minute. You type at ~40. Dictation closes that gap dramatically.
Reduce RSI & Hand Pain
Your hands stay relaxed. Less carpal tunnel, less wrist pain, less fatigue from typing.
Capture Ideas Naturally
Your voice flows naturally. You don't lose ideas while hunting for the right words on a keyboard.
Improve Clarity
Speaking aloud forces you to organize your thoughts better. False ideas become obvious immediately.
Better Accessibility
Users with dyslexia, arthritis, or mobility issues can express themselves without pain.
Multitask Easier
Keep dictating while walking, turning your head, or changing positions. Your voice travels with you.
Getting Started (5 Minutes)
Setup is simple. We'll walk you through each step so you're dictating in 5 minutes.
Choose Your Software
Download Whisper Cheap (free, no account needed) or choose another dictation tool. We recommend Whisper Cheap because it's completely local and free.
- •Make sure your software supports your language
- •Check compatibility with your apps (Word, Google Docs, etc.)
- •Consider privacy: is your voice uploaded to the cloud?
Set Up Your Microphone
Use a decent microphone. Built-in earpieces work, but a USB microphone or headset delivers better accuracy.
- •Position the microphone 6-8 inches from your mouth
- •Clean earpieces regularly to remove dust
- •Test in a quiet environment first
- •Adjust volume levels in Settings
Configure Your Settings
Open the settings window. Choose your hotkey (Ctrl+Space is default), language, and any advanced settings like VAD (Voice Activity Detection).
- •Customize your keyboard shortcut to something comfortable
- •Enable VAD to ignore background noise
- •Test automatic vs manual text conversion modes
Your First Dictation
Open a text editor (Word, Notion, Google Docs). Press your hotkey, speak clearly for 10-15 seconds, release. Text should appear instantly.
- •Speak at a normal pace, like you're conversing
- •Use a natural tone (not too slow or too fast)
- •Try different phrases to get comfortable
Best Practices for Accuracy
A few simple habits dramatically improve accuracy and your dictation experience.
Speak Clear and Naturally
You don't need to shout, but be clear. Articulate well without being robotic. Speak like you'd talk to a friend.
Use Good Microphone Quality
Microphone quality matters. A USB headset or dedicated microphone beats built-in earpieces. Keep it clean.
Minimize Background Noise
Dictate in quiet spaces. If there's noise, enable VAD in settings to ignore it. Close windows, turn off TV, silence phone.
Dictate in Short Sessions
Your voice gets tired. Dictate in short bursts (15-20 min), then take a break. More productive than one long session.
Edit in a Separate Pass
Don't try to edit while dictating. Dictate everything first in draft mode, then edit like you would typed text.
Say Punctuation When Needed
Say "period", "comma", "question mark" or just edit afterward. Most users find editing punctuation is fastest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced users make these mistakes. Here's how to avoid them.
If you speak too quickly, the AI can't keep up. Words overlap or get missed.
AI needs clear sound. Mumbling, dropping sounds, or slurring causes errors.
If you stop abruptly, the AI can't process the complete sentence.
Trying to correct yourself while speaking breaks your flow and confuses recognition.
AI isn't perfect. Some errors (homophones, proper names) need manual correction.
Built-in earpieces, damaged or dirty microphones significantly affect accuracy.
Advanced Tips
Once you master the basics, here are techniques to squeeze even more value from dictation.
Many tools (including Whisper Cheap) let you train custom vocabularies. Add specialized terms, company names, or technical jargon.
Use a text expander (like TextExpander) alongside dictation. Type abbreviations that expand to full paragraphs. Save time on repeated phrases.
Say "two point five" for 2.5, "at sign" for @, "hashtag" for #. Practice to get fast at this.
For developers: explain your code aloud like you're talking to a rubber duck. Dictation captures the thought thread.
Dictation is excellent for brainstorming because you don't edit while thinking. It captures natural flow without self-criticism.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The best way to learn is by doing. Download Whisper Cheap (free, no account) and dictate your first paragraph today.
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