Google Speech to Text: How to Use Google Voice Typing in Docs 2024

How to Use Google Speech to Text in Google Docs: A Simple Guide

If you dislike typing or have hand injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, using Google Speech to Text in Google Docs can help. This tool lets you speak your words, and Google Docs types them for you. All you need is a microphone and the Google Chrome browser.

Quick Tips About Google Voice Typing

• Voice typing works only in Google Docs and Google Slides speaker notes—using Google Chrome.
• You must have a working microphone connected to your computer.
• Some voice commands, such as those for punctuation and editing, are not available in all languages.
• To use Google Speech to Text, activate voice typing, click the microphone icon, and start speaking.

How to Activate Voice Typing in Google Docs

Voice typing can save you time and effort. Follow these steps to start using it:

Step 1: Set Up Your Microphone

• Make sure your microphone is properly installed and working.
• Check your computer’s manual for instructions on setting up your microphone.
• On Windows, go to the Control Panel. On Mac, use System Preferences to manage your microphone settings.

Step 2: Open Google Docs in Chrome

• Launch the Chrome browser on your computer.
• Go to Google Docs. You can type docs.new in the address bar to open a new document fast.

Step 3: Enable Voice Typing

• In your document, click Tools in the menu bar, then select Voice typing...
• Or, use the keyboard shortcut:
  • Windows: Ctrl + Shift + S
  • Mac: Command + Shift + S
• If using this feature for the first time, Chrome will ask permission to use your microphone. Allow it.
• A microphone icon will appear on the left side of your Google Doc. You can drag it anywhere on the screen.

Step 4: Choose Your Language

• Click the language drop-down menu and select your language or dialect. Over 100 languages and dialects are supported.
• If your language is missing, click the three dots to see more options.

Step 5: Start Dictating

• Click the microphone icon when you are ready to speak.
• Talk clearly and at your normal pace for better accuracy.
• When finished, click the microphone icon again, or say “Stop listening.”

Note: You can check which languages and accents are supported on the official Google Docs help page.

Fixing Mistakes with Google Speech to Text

You can correct errors easily while using voice typing in Google Docs.

• Move your cursor to the mistake and correct it by typing.
• You do not need to turn off the microphone to fix errors.
• To continue dictating, move the cursor back to your desired spot and keep speaking.
• Right-click words underlined in gray to see Google's suggestions.

Adding Punctuation Using Voice Commands

Adding punctuation is simple, but punctuation commands are currently available in only a few languages, including English, German, Spanish, Russian, French, and Italian. Useful voice commands:

• “Period” (.)
• “Comma” (,)
• “Question mark” (?)
• “Exclamation point” (!)
• “New line”
• “New paragraph”

Punctuation Examples

• Say: "Wow exclamation point" → Wow!
• Say: "Apple comma guava comma and avocado" → Apple, guava, and avocado

Useful Voice Commands for Editing and Formatting

Google Docs supports various voice commands for editing and formatting, but these work only if both your Google Account and document language are set to English. Voice commands do not work in Google Slides speaker notes.

• Say “backspace” or “delete” to remove words.
• Say “select [word or phrase]” to highlight text.
• Say “select all matching text” to select similar words throughout the document.

You can view the complete list by clicking the question mark in the microphone window or simply saying “voice commands list.” These commands help save time and boost productivity (Google, 2024).

Common Troubleshooting Tips for Google Speech to Text

• If you see the message “We’re having trouble hearing you,” move to a quieter room. Try an external microphone and adjust its volume.
• If your microphone is not working:
  • Make sure it is plugged in and not used by another application.
  • Open your computer’s microphone settings to check if it’s active.
  • Restart your computer and try again.
• If voice commands are not responding:
  • Speak more slowly and clearly.
  • Pause briefly before and after commands.
  • The microphone icon will display a bubble with your command if detected.
  • If the wrong command is executed, say “undo.”

Limitations of Google Speech to Text

• Works only on Google Docs and speaker notes in Slides via Chrome.
• Limited support for some languages, accents, and advanced voice commands.
• Accuracy may decrease with strong accents or background noise (Harvard University, 2023).

Professional Transcription Solutions from GoTranscript

While Google Speech to Text offers an easy way to convert voice to text, human-based transcription services are still the most accurate option. At GoTranscript, you get:

• 98.6%+ accuracy, far higher than most automated tools (GoTranscript internal data, 2024).
• Expert human transcribers who can recognize diverse speakers and speech patterns.
• Flexible services, including automated transcription, closed captioning services, and subtitling services.
• Support for over 60 languages, plus robust translation and audio translation services.
• Competitive transcription pricing and captioning rates.
• Easy online ordering for transcripts and captions.
• Reliable transcription proofreading for error-free results.

Conclusion

Google Speech to Text in Google Docs is a valuable tool for those who want to type less and work smarter. It is especially helpful for people with repetitive strain injuries or anyone looking for a quick way to turn speech into text. However, for high accuracy and support in more complex projects, GoTranscript offers professional solutions that go beyond automated tools.

Discover how GoTranscript can meet all your transcription, captioning, and translation service needs—with quality and reliability you can trust. Try our services today for accurate and hassle-free results!