We’re excited to launch a new series of “first person” posts from Microsoft product and thought leaders about how they use Microsoft Copilot and the value it delivers to them. In our first installment, we hear from Omar Shahine, Corporate Vice President, and leader of the Word team.
About a year ago, I started using a large language model voice transcription app to write with my voice. Before that, I had tried various dictation tools that never truly saved me much time. However, everything changed when I discovered the advanced capabilities of speech-to-text powered by LLMs. Dictation suddenly became more efficient, and I found myself able to produce written content at remarkable speed.
Over the next few months, I noticed significant benefits of this voice-based writing approach. First, I discovered greater efficiency, since constructing documents by speaking let me capture ideas in a fraction of the time it would take to type them all out. Second, there was a distinct flexibility: I could continue working even while walking or traveling, without ever needing to stop and focus on a keyboard. Third, I gained a sense of convenience—after finishing meetings, I could quickly create notes or draft entire documents, saving them to revisit later.
Recognizing this potential, my team and I began to explore a similar feature in Microsoft Word Mobile, which we’ve been calling “Co-Scribe.” Embracing the power of voice transcription, we set out to make the process more straightforward for others. I’ve used this feature extensively to write one- to three-page documents over recent months, and it has proven to be more than just a novelty; it’s a powerful workflow booster.
“Co-Scribe” offers dictation that captures short spoken sessions—usually between one and five minutes—and automatically formats the content. By the time I’ve finished speaking, I have an organized framework of headings and bullets already in place. This quickly gets me from zero to about 60-80% done with a draft, and I can complete the remaining details later on my desktop if necessary.
In my personal experience, I’ve successfully written around two dozen documents using “Co-Scribe” in the last couple of months. It’s allowed me to get words on the page far faster than traditional typing ever has. As a result, my productivity is noticeably higher, and I can focus more on ideas rather than typing mechanics. Frankly, it has made writing far more accessible, freeing me to concentrate on shaping content rather than fussing over every keystroke.
I wholeheartedly recommend giving this voice transcription approach a try. Whether you use “Co-Scribe” or another voice-to-text platform, the advantages are substantial: increased productivity, flexible working conditions, and a sense of ease after discussions or meetings. Once you experience how swiftly you can produce a workable draft by speaking your thoughts aloud, you might soon find yourself relying on it for many of your writing tasks.
You can now experience the magic of writing with your voice in the Microsoft Word app for iOS: Turn voice notes into structured documents with Microsoft Copilot | Microsoft Community Hub
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