How to use better Speech to Text in Google Docs - for Maximum Productivity

It doesn't matter if you want to be more productive, save your hands, or just prefer speaking - writing with your voice has dozens of benefits. Learn how to use voice dictation to write on Google Docs.

Kourosh Ghaffari

— 2 min read
How to use better Speech to Text in Google Docs - for Maximum Productivity
Cover image displaying the UseVoicy logo, the Google Docs logo, and the header text "Ai Speech to Text for Google Docs"you

Short version of the article

  • Google's own Speech To Text solution is clunky and not accurate
  • Voice dictation software has come a long way since Google built their version
  • Instead, use privacy-friendly, highly accurate, and free Chrome extensions like usevoicy.com (50+ supported languages).
  • It works on all devices including Mac, Windows, and Linux.
  • Once you download an extension, go to Google Docs and start typing with your Voice

Why Speech-to-Text tools can help anyone

For individuals with disabilities or those who find typing laborious, speech-to-text can be a game-changer.

It allows for hands-free document creation, reduces strain, and speeds up the writing process.

It's also a fantastic tool for multitasking professionals looking to enhance productivity by dictating notes or documents on the go.

Some numbers for you.

Average number of words typed per minute: 40

Average number of words spoken per minute: 150

Why the Google Voice Dictation feature has fallen behind.

Yes, Google offers its own Speech-to-Text tool on Docs, but it's not good.
Take a look at this quote taken from Reddit:

"Why does the Docs 'voice typing' suck so bad? It will merge words together or double space with no consistent logic to it, and the recognition is the worst part."

Ever since Google built its own Voice-to-Text tool, the technology has come a long way. This is in part, thanks to AI.
For example, the company that created ChatGPT, OpenAI, also created a tool called Whisper, which is the most accurate voice detection model out there.

How to use voice typing on Google Docs

If you don't want to read this blog, you can also watch this video.

Step 1: Download the free Voicy Chrome Extension

Step 2: Go to Google Docs and open a new Document

Step 3: You will now see a new microphone element on the top left of your document

Step 4: Click on the microphone once to start recording

Step 5: Click on the microphone again to stop recording

Image of a Google Docs document with the Voicy Chrome Extension element on the left hand side of it

Why is AI-powered Speech-To-Text better?

It's actually very simple.

AI understands context

When you're using speech-to-text, the AI models can use the context of the words you've already said. AI will know the difference between 'sea' and 'see', regardless of the pronunciation.

AI can handle grammar & punctuation in speech to text tools

Same reason as the previous point. AI understands context and it knows all the rules around grammar and punctuation.

AI improves accuracy and understands accents

AI models, especially those using deep learning, are trained on vast datasets, allowing them to recognize a wide range of accents, dialects, and speech patterns more accurately.