How dictation works

How dictation works

Dictate is where you act your scene out loud, playing every part, while you tap a key to mark who is speaking. TalkingDraft turns the recording into a formatted script: action lines, character names and dialogue, in the right place.

Dictate with named keys, the ACTION key and the TRANSCRIBE button

The keys

  • 1 to 9 are the characters in this scene. Name them before you record. See Name your keys.
  • 0 is ACTION: action lines, or stage directions.

Record a scene

  1. Open a scene in Dictate (click a scene in the outline, or Talk Your Draft).
  2. Click the record button (TRANSCRIBE). An action line is always first, so start by describing the scene.
  3. When a character speaks, tap and release their key, then speak their line.
  4. When you go back to description, tap 0 (ACTION) and keep talking.
  5. Click STOP when the scene is done. The app transcribes it and the lines appear in your script.

On a computer you can press the number keys on your keyboard instead of clicking. Press the spacebar to stop. On a phone or tablet, tap the on-screen keys.

Tips

  • Tap, release, then speak. The key marks the start of a new line; you don’t hold it down.
  • Take your time. Each tap starts a new line, so pausing between lines does no harm.
  • Need a moment? Stop, then click record again when you are ready. The scene picks up where you left off. While stopped, you can rename your keys.
  • Parentheticals and transitions have keys of their own. See Other rare line types.
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