Speech recognition software and technology around it has taken the world by storm over the last few years. In the past, it was hit or miss, with services like Windows Accessibility or Dragon Speech Recognition Software being early adaptors to the market, but without wide mainstream usage. However, with the advent of services like Alexa, Google Home and Siri, and the popularity of transcription services like Otter.ai, the technology has advanced and the services have reached a point where they’re now better than ever before.

While the technology is advancing, that doesn’t mean that everyone is able to easily use it. Here are 5 things you can do to make the most of speech recognition services.

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1. Using Filler Words

We all, um, sometimes, use filler words when we speak, like, quite a lot of the time, actually. You don’t need these words in your dictation, so try to be mindful and avoid them. Remember, your speech recognition software will hear everything, and it can be annoying and time consuming to go through and remove them.

There are several ways you can approach this – you can plan out your script and read from it, or you can just be mindful when you speak. Dictating in this way can actually be quite a good way of realizing how much you use filler words, and will give you the opportunity to remove them from your actual day-to-day manner of speaking.

Services like Otter.ai and Descript help with this now by removing them automatically from the written transcripts. Digital assistances have learned to ignore them for the most part. But, the clearer and cleaner the words, the better results you get.

2. Using Poor Audio Equipment

Yes, we’re not all made of money, but that doesn’t mean you skimp out on getting some decent quality equipment. It doesn’t have to be too expensive, not state-of-the-art studio equipment, but it does have to be decent.

“If you don’t get yourself a good microphone or headset, you could find that it’s not picking up your voice properly, and then it’s dictating what you’re saying incorrectly, and we don’t want that now,” explains Mary Maris, a tech writer at Paper Fellows and Assignment Help .

You can get a great USB Microphone in an Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB or Samson Q2U Dynamic Mic that will allow for great recordings. You’re more than welcome to use any kind that suits you, just make sure it’s compatible with your current setup. Amazon and online stores like this have some great deals from time to time, so it’s well worth checking them out. You current Android or iPhone may also make a great device to capture your voice.

3. Careful, They Might Be Listening!

When it comes to dictating software and speech recognition, it’s important to make sure you’re only leaving your microphone on for the time you want to use it. This may not seem that important at the time, because obviously, you can just cut what you don’t want to keep, but you never know when you’re going to be busy and not thinking and accidentally let something slip or give the service more information than they really need. Some phone apps might be listening when you don’t want them to hear you.

It’s not worth the risk having the software listen and transcribe everything, so turn it off and only turn your microphone on when you need it. This also means checking the settings on your phone to make sure the apps you use don’t always have access to the mic.

4. Don’t Let Technical Issues Get in the Way

If you experience problems with your software or speech recognition application, and the chances are you’re going to at some point, it’s important you get expert help to ensure you’re able to get back on track.

“The chances are you’re now using this software, so yes, there is going to be a slight learning curve to using it. However, if you can’t find the resolution yourself, then it’s important to look online or out to your software provider for help. Don’t just throw in the towel and give up, because more often than not the solution is very simple,” shares Nick Turner, a Speech Recognition expert at Boomessays and State Of Writing.

Some communities have Facebook or Discord groups that might come in handy when troubleshooting issues. You  can find two such groups right here at theAverageGuy.tv on Facebook or Discord.

5. Proofread Transcript Always

It’s very important to double-checking your transcripts for errors. Yes, technology has come a long way over the last few years, but there are so many variables for accuracy, including your audio source and the service you’re using.

Never assume that your transcript is going to be perfect. Sure, it could be 99% perfect, but make sure you’re checking it anyway. There shouldn’t be too many errors, but you don’t want them to let you down with whatever application you’re using, so a read it through before you publish it.

Katherine Rundell is a business writer at Academic Writing Service and Essay Services. She writes about Speech Recognition. Also, she is a blogger at Essay Roo and loves writing and reviewing the latest tech trends.