Rule #1: Speak Clearly
Speaks for itself. Even though WhisperTyping is great at understanding you when you mumble, accuracy increases dramatically when you articulate well. When taking time to think, take breaks at strategic times, ideally between sentences.
Rule #2: Choose the Right Microphone and Placement
Premium Laptops: Built-in Microphones
Modern premium laptops often come equipped with advanced built-in microphones or microphone arrays. These systems are designed to capture clear audio, making them suitable for dictation in quiet environments.
Desktops and Budget Laptops: External USB Microphones
Desktops and budget laptops may have basic built-in microphones. In such cases, investing in an external USB microphone can significantly enhance audio quality.
Position your microphone optimally
- Ideally 5-15 centimeters (2-6 inches) from your mouth
- Align the microphone so that it points directly at your mouth
- Slightly angle the microphone away from the direct line of your mouth to reduce plosive sounds (like 'p' and 'b' noises) for maintaining audio clarity
Noisy Environments: Close-Proximity Microphones
In settings like busy cafes or noisy offices, using a microphone positioned very close to your mouth is crucial to minimize background noise. Options include classic 'headsets' or wired earphones with a mic built-in to the cable.
Rule #3: Context and Longer Segments
Whisper leverages the same technology found in large language models. It looks at context. 'SpaceX', the space exploration company, or a 'spacious' room. Especially when you're talking to an LLM, when you can be more verbose than necessary, it may help your accuracy to include unnecessary details when you think WhisperTyping may not understand.
Because of this, longer segments tend to be more accurate. Say everything you want to say in one go, then let WhisperTyping transcribe it, instead of doing small chunks.