Dragon doesn’t understand English. It’s simply using algorithms to get better at predicting how your sound waves should be interpreted. It’s quite robotic this way, allowing you to programme it in such a way to recognise certain phrases as commands and other custom entries as… well, whatever you please on a single line. Since the software is constantly trying to get better at recognising what you’re saying, it’s best to dictate with consistency wherever possible.
One way of ensuring your volume is consistent is by ensuring that the microphone is positioned at the same distance from your mouth whenever dictating. For headsets, the recommended distance is 2cm. We recommend headsets because they ensure that the consistency is in effect wherever you turn your head. Having the microphone boom in a fixed position or being able to adjust it up or down means there’s less chance of it gravitating away from you.
If you’re dictating using a digital recorder or a smartphone, try to copy this style. Speaking directly into the microphone is a bit like blowing into a telephone receiver. There’s a greater chance of breath affecting accuracy and fluctuating volume levels, which can also have a bearing. Try to keep the mic 2cm from your mouth and perform the sound set up like this.
Some users want to use their array microphone to dictate. This isn’t ideal because this method picks up a good deal of environmental sound making it almost impossible in an open plan office. It’s also trickier to keep a consistent 30cm distance from the onboard microphone making it less consistent and not as accurate.
We do have users that have managed to make non-headset methods work. If the headband bothers you, you could put the headband around your neck with the stork facing upwards or some even break the headband and use the boom as they would a handheld microphone.