Microsoft has added a new dictation tool for Outlook that lets you draft your emails with just a microphone.
But is it worth your time and effort to use?
What Is the Dictate Tool on Microsoft Outlook?
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Microsoft Outlook’s Dictate tool lets you use your microphone to write your emails.
Once turned on, anything you say into the microphone will be written within the body of the email.
The Outlook Dictate tool is a little different from using adictation app on Windowsto write your email.
Before you get started, it’s worth double-checking that Outlook supports your language.
it’s possible for you to see a full list of languages onMicrosoft Support.
Click theMessagebutton along the top bar.
Now, click theDictatebutton on the bar that appears.
It looks like a small blue microphone and appears on the right side of the bar.
Now, anything you say will be written within the email.
If you’d like to stop dictating, hit the microphone button again.
On other versions of Outlook, the above commands may not work.
However, you’re free to still use the Dictate tool to write your emails.
You do need to give the dictation a little guidance.
it’s possible for you to also add currency and mathematical symbols in the same way.
Just say “send email,” then say “yes” when Outlook asks if you’re sure.
Should You Use Voice Dictation on Microsoft Outlook?
As such, I gave this feature a spin to see how well it performed.
I found the feature a little limiting when using it outside Outlook in Microsoft 365.
None of the interesting features had been added there, and the voice dictation accuracy wasn’t very good.
My opinion changed completely when I downloaded Microsoft 365 and used Outlook there.
It’s definitely one of mytop features in the Microsoft 365 app.
When you use Dictate on Microsoft 365, a small bar appears when you turn on the microphone.
Overall, I do think that Outlook’s Dictate feature is worth using on Microsoft 365.
However, the other versions of Outlook have pretty hit-and-miss results with their own Dictate tools.
