Do more in less time with Microsoft Word
Keyboard shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word offers several significant benefits that can enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall user experience. Here are some key advantages:
Increased Speed and Efficiency: Keyboard shortcuts allow you to perform actions much quicker than using the mouse to navigate through menus. This speed is especially beneficial for repetitive tasks, enabling you to complete your work more efficiently.
Ease of Use: Once memorized, keyboard shortcuts become second nature, making it easier and more intuitive to use Word. This ease of use can enhance the overall writing experience.
Reduced Strain and Injury Risk: Frequent use of the mouse can lead to repetitive strain injuries. Keyboard shortcuts reduce the need for constant mouse use, thereby potentially decreasing the risk of such injuries.
Overall, incorporating keyboard shortcuts into your routine when using Microsoft Word can significantly enhance your efficiency and effectiveness, making document creation and editing a more streamlined and enjoyable process.
Click here to access the training handout: Keyboard Shortcuts
Click here to access a comprehensive list of Keyboard Shortcuts for Microsoft Word for Windows.
Dictate and Transcribe
The Dictate function in Microsoft Word is a powerful tool that allows users to convert speech into text, offering a significant time-saving advantage. To access it, you can simply select the "Dictate" button, found in the Home tab on the Word ribbon.
Go to the Home tab and select "Dictate" in the Voice section of the ribbon.
When the dictation toolbar appears, just start speaking. Click the microphone icon to pause and resume.
When the dictation toolbar appears, just start speaking. Click the microphone icon to pause and resume.
Use the X on the top right of the toolbar to close the Dictation tool when you finish.
Screenshot Tool for Quick Images
Have you ever needed a screenshot of another application on your desktop or even a portion of a window? Word's built-in screenshot tool has you covered.
Go to the Insert tab and click the Screenshot drop-down arrow in the Illustrations section of the ribbon. You'll see any other open windows on your desktop at the top. Simply select one and its image will display right in your Word document.
If you prefer to caption a portion of a window or other application, choose "Screen Clipping" in the drop-down box instead.
When your cursor changes to a crosshair, drag to capture what you need and release.
Your clipping will appear in your document immediately.
If needed, you can edit a screenshot or clipping like any other image in Microsoft Word.
Transcribe your recordings
The Transcribe feature in Microsoft Word effectively turns speech into a text transcript, distinguishing and separately labeling each speaker. This tool is invaluable for reviewing and analyzing conversations, interviews, or meetings. Users have the convenience of playing back specific parts of the recorded audio, thanks to the timestamps, and can edit the transcription for accuracy. The full transcript can be saved as a Word document or selected portions can be integrated into existing documents.
