tant details. Voice-to-text is not just for long reports. It is perfect for capturing names, addresses, and quick observations that you might otherwise jot on paper or forget alto- gether. As these features continue to improve, you will likely find new ways to work more eciently and stay focused on what matters: Protecting public health. Pro tip for the readers: Most smartphone recorder apps will transcribe the voice record- ing within a few minutes, making a useful reference of your inspection notes. In Closing Consideration Voice-to-text will not replace well-written comments in all cases, but it is one more way we can work with more flexibility. Take some time to experiment with these features in a safe space. Small changes in how we use our tools can add up to nice boosts in our daily work. Corresponding Author: Darryl Booth, U.S. Operations Manager, Hedgerow Software. Email: darrylbooth@hedgerowsoftware.com
Photo 2. Accessibility settings on a Windows computer screen to enable voice-to-text. Image courtesy of Darryl Booth, Hedgerow Software.
To start using voice-to-text, press the Win- dows key along with the h key (or look for that same microphone icon on tablet computers). This shortcut activates the voice-to-text func- tionality, and you can begin speaking. Press the same shortcut to stop or pause transcribing. What About Pressing Buttons and Opening Menus? You probably realize that visually or physi- cally disabled users can do just about any- thing on their computers using their voices and other assistive devices. These techniques might have steep learning curves and special- ized configuration and tuning. How to Get Best Results? If you have a wired or wireless microphone or headset, that is always better than the built-in microphone in your computer. For one, you can bring the microphone close to your face and often minimize background noises, even cupping your hand to isolate your voice. It is also worth learning a few voice com- mands for punctuation and formatting. You can say things like comma, period, question mark, new paragraph, or next line to force
the punctuation or formatting. The AI does a pretty good job on punctuation, but I like new paragraphs in certain places. Once transcription is complete and the microphone is disabled, you can return and make edits in the same fashion as if you had typed your paragraph on a keyboard. Best Case Examples When I am fatigued and my hands and eyes are tired, I will sometimes turn on voice-to- text for first drafts. It is akin to stream-of- consciousness writing. In my case, I have to be prepared to rewrite most or all of it. Just about any time I am using my mobile phone to write a sentence or two, I will turn on voice-to-text. Did I transcribe this article by voice? No, but that is only because I am at a desk and a keyboard designed for writing. At the soccer game or walking between meetings, I always ask for help. For inspectors, the ability to quickly dic- tate notes during a walk-through, capture observations hands-free, or record reminders while on the move can lead to more accurate reports and reduce the risk of missing impor-
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
The Journal seeks guest authors for the Building Capacity column. Our goal is to provide a platform to share capacity building successes occur- ring across the country and within different sectors of the environmental health profession, including academia, private industry, and state, local, tribal, and territorial health agencies. Submissions will be reviewed by the NEHA technical advisors for data and technology and Journal staff for appropriate content, relevance, and adherence to submission guidelines. To learn more about the submission process and guidelines, please visit www.neha.org/contributors.
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July/August 2025 • Journal of Environmental Health
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