Dictation, One of the Most Underused Features in Apple Notes and Google Keep!

I must admit I often forget about the dictation feature offered on both Apple Notes and Google Keep. Hopefully, sharing this tip and technique will help me remember to use it more, and maybe you also will see the benefits of using dictation with Notes and Keep!

I can't tell you if Apple or Keep is the best one for dictation. The only edge I see for me is that I can say, "Siri, make a note" to get started. One of the biggest features with both Notes and Keep is almost instantly it moves from your mobile device to your computer. There, you can work it for punctuation, correct words and turn the dictation into a bunch of different end products: emails, word documents, notes for time and contact management, posts on social media, or just information you want to save in Notes or Keep.

This is how easy it is to get started with dictation:

Apple Notes

Google Keep

I wanted to try to see how quietly I could dictate a note on my iPhone, so I tried three different ways. First, I used Airpods to raise my voice to be able to dictate. This method did the worst on the whisper test (yes, I made up a whisper test to see what worked best). Next, I connected the wired headset that came with the phone and did much better by holding the mic right to my mouth. But overall, whispering into the bottom of my phone where the mic is located won for best way. One problem with whispering is that I found I had more mistakes, but if you are in an environment where you need to whisper, it does still work.

Think about the uses of dictation during your busy day. Did you just hang up from a call? Use dictation to make notes about the conversation, or items want to add to their contact information. You think or remember something you want or need to do, dictate it to Notes or Keep.

Need to get organized? Here are three essential elements of organization:

• Contact Management - Quickly finding names and contact information, along with details and facts.
• Time Management - Every appointment and deadline in place, plus using alarms and reminders.
• Information Management - Being able to quickly find needed information in a system.

Dick Betts is a national speaker, trainer and consultant. Learn more at www.DickBetts.com

More article in this series

• How to Grab Text from an Image Using Google Keep
• Collaborating with Others Using Apple Notes and Google Keep
• How to Set a Location Reminder in Google Keep
• How to Overcome the Pain of Passwords
• Want to Use Mobile Scanner Software? Be Very Careful!
• Apple Users: Let's Set Up Notes to the Max!