M365 Changelog: Dictation in Word and Outlook just got better

MC239267 – This feature update improves upon the user dictation experience in Word (Win32), Outlook (Win32), and Word for Mac with the addition of the Dictation toolbar, voice commands and auto punctuation support.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 70596.

When this will happen

This is rolling out mid-March, and we expect it to be complete by early April 2021.

How this will affect your organization

The new dictation toolbar makes it easier for users to create, edit content with their voice and change settings like Auto punctuation, Profanity filter and Spoken language.

Enable dictation by clicking Dictate in the toolbar.

After clicking Dictate and Allowing microphone access dictation is enabled and begins listening.

To turn on Auto punctuation, Profanity filter, Spoken language, click Dictation Settings on the toolbar.

Notes: To enable Dictation across all platforms users must:

• Have a microphone
• Have Office for Windows 2102 (13616.10000) or later
• Be signed into a Microsoft 365 account
• Have a stable internet connection

What you need to do to prepare

You might want to notify your users about this new capability and update your training and documentation as appropriate.

Read Dictation in Word and Outlook just got better to see Tips and Tricks,Supported Languages and more.