6 Benefits to Dictating Your Writing

A few years back, I came across a solution that forever changed how I write. I was trying to finish my doctoral dissertation, but my life was full of responsibilities and I had very little free time. I completed my coursework and most of my research, but I couldn't find the time or energy to sit down and write. So I did what most doctoral students do—I procrastinated.

Then I came across an idea that led to the completion of my dissertation: I dictated the first draft. I had a seven hour commute one day each week, so I began dictating a portion of a chapter on the drive. I used a digital audio recorder and a basic outline I created beforehand. When I returned home, I transferred the file to my computer and ran it through transcription software. Even with the editing process, I completed my dissertation in record time.

Since completing my dissertation, I now use the same process to write books, blog posts, longer emails, and web copy. I also use dictation to journal and transcribe notes from books I read.

Here are six benefits that may further convince you to adopt the habit of writing through dictation:

1. Dictation increases your word count.
I can write more words per minute with dictation than I can write through typing. Dictation enables me to write 5,000 words a day with the same level of energy it took me to type 500.

2. When you dictate, you no longer have to wait for your fingers to catch up with your brain.
My brain works much faster than my fingers. When I write on a keyboard, I have to slow my brain down so my fingers can keep up. However, I don’t worry about the speed of my fingers or the speed of my brain with dictation. All I need to do is ensure my words are clear enough so my dictation software can transcribe my voice.

3. Dictation frees you up from your filter.
When I type, my filter is on alert and ready to correct, change, or delete anything I think is outside the boundaries of “good” writing. But this can be a problem, as I might delete a good idea before it gains traction. I can end up losing myself and my creativity in the writing process. When I dictate into a voice recorder, it is more difficult to filter myself. I can’t backspace and delete words or sentences. I must focus and keep dictating. My outline gives enough structure to guide me, yet enough freedom to let my true self come out in my first draft.

4. Dictation frees you up to write anywhere you want to write.
With dictation, I can write anywhere I desire. I can write at my desk. I can dictate while walking around my house, my backyard, or my block. I can dictate when I drive (as long as I’m being safe). I found I think best when my body is moving.

5. Dictation takes less energy than typing.
If you're like me, your fingers get tired when you type for a long time. Your wrists may hurt or your forearms might cramp. This is not only irritating, it slows down the number of words I can produce because my discomfort drains my energy.

6. Dictation can decrease your tendency to procrastinate.
I can find a myriad of ways to procrastinate when it comes to writing. When I wrote at a keyboard, I seldom looked forward to sitting down in front of a computer and typing. With dictation, I can't wait to get to work. All I need is a rough outline of where I'm going, my microphone, and my voice recorder.

In the next post, I walk through a few general guidelines for dictation. Then I lay out my process for dictation. In the last post, we will look at the tools I use for dictation.