One common oversight most people make when they are using voice recognition devises is that they put to much emphasis on the software component of the system and ignore the hardware side. When I talk about hardware I am not referring to the computer or device that the software was uploaded into but I am referring to the accessories that come with the voice recognition software and. In particular I am referring to the voice recognition microphones.

The microphone is an important component of the whole voice recognition program and it is through this device that the software will get the information (via voice) that will be processed into text or interpreted as a command that the software is to execute via the machine that it has been programmed to control. Knowing how to effectively use your microphone will contribute to the overall positive performance of the program.

Below are some microphones tips that people can use so as to get the best result from their voice recognition microphones:

The first tip deals with using a handheld microphone.  This type of microphone is rarely used because it ends us defeating a fundamental purpose of a voce recognition device, which is to free up your hands and to give you the ability to multi-task. Therefore a good usage tip when it comes to voice recognition software is that this type of microphone is not the best. But on the other hand if one is using it the best way to use it would be not to put it to close to the mouth as this normally reduces the quality of the sound.

A cordless/clip on Microphone is a more standard type of microphones that is used with voice recognition devices – the best way to use a cordless or clip on microphone is to position it in a place that will keep it in a steady position and at the same time be able to pick up your voice. Some of the recommended places to put the microphone is in your shirt pocket. There are many other appropriate place you can put the microphone but before you position the device you should check that the software is able to pick up the signal from it.  This is necessary in order to guarantee smooth operation of the microphone and software in harmony.  Be advised, that if your voice recognition microphones are wireless, you should regularly check the batteries, volume levels, and placement before any extended usages.

The most common of the voice recognition microphones is the headset.  With a headset, you are most likely to have a clear and consistent sound due to the microphone being head near your mouth.  With that said, you do not want to place the microphone too close to your mouth, or the sound picked up might be distorted and the software will be “confused”.  And, on the other hand, you should not place the microphone to far away from your mouth or your speech will be too quiet and other background noises might impact the accuracy of the software.  A recommended placement of the headset microphone is close to, but not directly in contact with your lips.

The final tip is: practice.  Like any other devise, the best usage tip one can get when it comes to using it is practice— the more you use the component the better you become at it. Record yourself using the microphone when it has been placed in different positions. By doing this, you will gain knowledge of how your voice recognition microphones pick up your voice under various circumstances and you will also learn the quality and the effectiveness of each position.

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