How to Use Dictation on Mac and Benefits for Dyslexia

Dictation is a tool that allows users to speak computer commands and also dictate text when creating documents, texts or emails. The computer “listens” to your words and follows your directives. Because the computer “hears” every utterance, it is important to speak clearly and mindfully so that your commands are not filled with ums and other unneeded articulations.

To begin the default is selecting the fn key twice (bottom left hand corner on most Mac keyboards), or you can enable the dictation keyword phrase and say “Computer, start dictating.” Here is how you can enable the keyword phrase.

Choose Apple menu > System Preferences

- There is a comprehensive list of commands that are worth committing to memory or having handy on a printout when using this accessibility tool. To make it easy for you, I created a downloadable document with many of the common commands. I limited it to two pages, so that it could be printed on a single piece of paper (front and back).
- When dictation is enabled, you can also display a list of commands by simply saying, “ Show commands.” This will trigger a menu box of dictation commands that will appear on your screen (as seen in the image to the right). You can also conduct a specific search by saying, “How do I <action>?” For example, you can say “How do I select text?” to see commands related to highlighting text.
- When you’re done, say “Stop dictating” or press the dictation keyboard shortcut - (default is select fn key twice)

Dictation is a great way for users to capture the spoken word as text on the screen. One should note, however, that punctuation needs to be verbalized as well as other directives such as formatting, mathematical symbols, emoticons, currency and some symbols. Again, to make it easy for you, I created a downloadable document with many of the common commands.