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Correction Strategies
Version 6.0 -7.0
Versions 1-5
Updated 7/30/03
Purpose This page provides information on making corrections in NaturallySpeaking in such a way as to maximize productivity by maximizing the results from each correction.  The manor in which corrections are accomplished will determine to a large extent how accurate NaturallySpeaking becomes, and how productive the user will be.

There are many opinions on the "best" way to make corrections with NaturallySpeaking, this is mine.  It is based on my philosophy that:

The primary goal when using speech recognition is not to achieve the highest possible accuracy, but rather to achieve the maximum possible productivity.
As strange as it may seem, my experience has shown that achieving maximum accuracy does not result in maximum productivity! Consequently the correction strategies presented here will not yield the highest accuracy rates, but will provide the highest productivity rates at very high accuracy rates.
Types of Errors There are only 2 types of Speech Recognition errors:
  • Recognition Errors occur when you have dictated specific words, you know that you dictated them properly, and NaturallySpeaking transcribed different words.
  • Dictation Errors are all errors that are not Recognition Errors.
The distinction is important because the intent of the correction process is completely different for each type of error. The correction for Recognition Errors must train the software not to make the same mistake again by adjusting the pronunciation models.  The correction process for Dictation Errors must correct the transcription error without training the speech recognition pronunciation models.
What to Correct Properly determining exactly what to correct can substantially increase productivity.  Sometimes it is faster to correct a larger segment of text containing correct words along with the incorrect words, than it is to correct the shorter, incorrect portion alone.  This situation is most frequently encountered with small, often used words like "and" or "to". If the wrong instance of a word is selected when attempting to correct it, the correction process will take substantially longer than if the correct word was selected. The goal when making corrections is to have the intended text always selected on the first attempt.  To accomplish this:
Always select enough text during corrections to ensure that the correct text is selected, even if some, or even most, of the selection is actually correct.
It is much faster to correct 4 words selected on the first attempt that it is to correct 1 word selected on the second or third attempt.
Productivity
Tip!
 If you encounter a sentence or even a whole paragraph with an unusually high number of errors, selecting and redictating the whole thing may be MUCH faster than trying to fix multiple errors.  Try it. :-)
Recommended Correction  Steps
Version 6.0, 6.1
Correction Process for NaturallySpeaking versions 6.0 and 6.1

Changes in the way that NaturallySpeaking 6 adapts to corrections makes it possible to use a single correction strategy regardless of the type of error being corrected.

When a transcription error is identified, always follow the following sequence:

  1. Say "CORRECT" then read the word or words to be corrected.
  2. If the correct words show up as an option on the numbered correction list, say "CHOOSE x" where x is the number of the correct option, then reposition the cursor and resume dictating.
  3. If the correct words are not displayed on the correction list, redictate them.
  4. If the new dictation is transcribed correctly, reposition the cursor and resume dictation.
  5. If the new dictation is not correct, say "CORRECT THAT".
  6. If the correct words show up as an option on the revised numbered correction list, say "CHOOSE x" where x is the number of the correct option, then reposition the cursor and resume dictating.
  7. If the correct words are not displayed on the correction list, say "SPELL THAT".
  8. The correct words can then be spelled into the Correction Dialog box by voice or by keyboard.  When the correct words are listed, say "OK" or "CHOOSE x" as appropriate.  Reposition the cursor and resume dictating.
Versions 1-5
Correction Process for NaturallySpeaking versions 1.0 through 5.0

First determine the type of correction to be made.
Recognition Errors
  1.  Say "CORRECT" then read the word or words to be corrected.
  2. If the correct words show up as an option on the numbered correction list, say "CHOOSE x" where x is the number of the correct option. The cursor will return to pre correction point,  resume dictating.
  3. If the correct words are not displayed on the correction list, the correction can be spelled into the Correction Dialog box by voice or by keyboard.  When the correct words are listed, say "OK" or "CHOOSE x" as appropriate. The cursor will return to pre correction point,  resume dictating.
Dictation Errors
  1. Say "SELECT" then read the word or words to be corrected.
  2. Dictate the correct text.
  3. If the new dictation is transcribed correctly, resume dictation.
  4. If the new dictation is not correct, say "CORRECT THAT".
  5. If the correct words show up as an option on the revised numbered correction list, say "CHOOSE x" where x is the number of the correct option, then reposition the cursor and resume dictating.
  6. If the correct words are not displayed on the correction list,  the correction can be spelled into the Correction Dialog box by voice or by keyboard.  When the correct words are listed, say "OK" or "CHOOSE x" as appropriate. Reposition the cursor and resume dictating.
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