Dictation

Increase accuracy and efficiency with the right dictation program

By Lea Terry, Freelance Journalist / Copywriter

Dictation can be a tedious, time-consuming chore, or it can be a method of ensuring the accuracy of everything from interviews to speeches to medical records. It all depends on the method you use. With such a wide variety of professionals depending on dictation every day, the types of dictation equipment and methods continue to grow and become more sophisticated. This helps save time, and increase the efficiency and accuracy of the process.

You can find a dictation system that matches your needs, whatever they happen to be. When purchasing a dictation system, consider:

What your budget will allow
The ease of use of the system
How often you'll use the dictation machine or other tool

Speed up the process with dictation software

Dictation software is ideal for both personal and professional use, and is offered both as a standalone product, and as part of a workflow system. With digital dictation, you can make recordings over the telephone, with your computer using a microphone, or with a handheld dictation device connected to your computer.
Try: 1st-Dragon offers legal, medical and professional dictation software, in English, Spanish and French, for both PCs and Macs. Talking Desktop is an interactive dictation program, with which you can dictate letters or other documents, navigate the Internet, even launch computer programs solely by voice commands.

Purchase dictation equipment

Dictation equipment includes everything from a digital dictation recorder to microphones to foot pedals that control playback speed. There are systems specifically for recording events like conferences, and telephone adaptors that make any phone into a recording device for transcription later.
Try: DictationStore.com sells dictation equipment for virtually any need, and DictationDepot.com specializes in Sony equipment, while also selling Olympus, Panasonic and KOSS.

Find free dictation tools online

While there are several kinds of dictation software available for purchase, you can also download free dictation software, also known as "shareware."
Try: Choose from a wide variety of free dictation software and voice recognition programs at CNET's Download.com site. Some are completely free, while others offer free trial versions. With e-Speaking, free voice dictation software you can download, you can write letters, have the computer read documents back to you, and control many of your computer's functions using only your voice.

Search for tools and services specific to medical dictation

Medical dictation and transcription requires an entirely different, and more specialized, set of skills than those used in any other kind of dictation. In addition to basic dictation, you also need to understand the terminology and coding used in medical dictation and transcription, which is why you may want to enlist the aid of a professional medical dictation company.
Try: There are many firms that focus exclusively on medical dictation, such as Medical Dictation Inc., in business since 1971, which offers a free rate quote at its website. Northeast Transcription, Incorporated, established in 1994, also offers transcription and dictation to hospitals, specialty groups and general practice groups. Call the company's toll-free number for a free consultation. There's also Medical Dictation Services, a 25-year-old company that provides dictation and transcription services to physicians and hospitals.

Dictation equipment can be expensive, so look into used or refurbished products, in addition to new. Because of the often high prices, many professionals prefer used equipment, and it's easy to find nearly any kind of used dictation or transcription machine online.