Why Use Voice to Text As a Freelance writer?
Ever feel like your fingers can't keep up with the thoughts buzzing around in your head? It happens to me sometimes, like trying to catch raindrops in a bucket – some ideas just slip away before you can type them out.
That's where Voice-to-Text, or VTT, comes into the picture for writers like us. It’s not magic, but I’ve seen how it can potentially change the way you work. Let's break down what I've noticed.
Can You Really Write Faster?
The big claim is speed. Honestly, most of us talk way faster than we type. Think about it: you might type around 40 words a minute, but you probably speak closer to 150. In my experience, getting that first messy draft down for something like a blog post can be quicker if you dictate it.
Instead of 30-45 minutes typing, maybe you talk it out in 10. For those tight deadlines we all face, that difference could be a lifesaver.
Giving Your Hands (and Back) a Break
Let’s be real: sitting hunched over a keyboard for hours takes a toll. I know I’ve felt that ache in my shoulders and wrists. As a nurse, I saw firsthand how repetitive strain can cause real problems down the line.
VTT offers a way to reduce that physical stress because you're not constantly typing. Giving your body a break is just smart if you plan on doing this writing thing long-term. It’s about sustainability, not just speed.
Writing Without Being Chained to Your Desk
One thing I appreciate is the freedom VTT can offer. You don't have to be sitting right at your desk. Many tools work on phones now. I've heard of writers dictating ideas while walking, doing chores, or just finding a more comfortable spot than their usual office chair.
It turns moments you usually couldn't write into potential drafting time. For me, sometimes changing my environment helps shake ideas loose – maybe it could for you too?
Keeping Your Thoughts Flowing
Sometimes, the act of typing itself can interrupt your train of thought. You stop, you correct a typo, you rethink a sentence. Dictating can help you just get the ideas out, bypassing that inner critic that often slows down a first draft. It feels more direct, just speaking your mind.
It's also handy for grabbing those quick ideas before they vanish – like catching that raindrop I mentioned earlier.
Making Writing More Accessible
This is important: VTT is a huge help for people who find typing difficult or impossible due to physical limitations or learning differences. It levels the playing field, allowing more people to get their thoughts down in writing effectively. From my healthcare background, anything that breaks down barriers like that is a good thing.
But Here’s the Catch: Editing
Okay, let's be upfront: speed is great, but VTT isn't perfect. The text it spits out will almost always have errors. You will need to edit it, maybe even more carefully than your typed drafts. So, the time you save drafting might get eaten up by editing if you're not careful.
Think of it like this: VTT changes your workflow. It's not Type -> Edit -> Final. It becomes Dictate -> Edit -> Finalize. The real win comes if you can get reasonably clean text during dictation and then become efficient at polishing it up.
It's a different process, not just a shortcut that eliminates editing.
So, is VTT worth it? Like choosing the right tool for a job, it depends on you and how you work best. It might speed things up, save some wear and tear on your body, and even help you capture ideas differently. But don't expect it to be a magic wand.
It’s another tool in your kit, one that requires learning how to use it effectively, especially that crucial editing step. Maybe give it a try on a small project and see if the trade-offs work in your favor.