How to write a document by dictation?

To write a document by dictation, outline first, then speak section by section in complete sentences, saying punctuation aloud where your tool needs it. Draft the whole thing without stopping to fix anything; one editing pass at the end beats fifty mid-sentence corrections.

To dictate in Word for free, use the Dictate button in Word for the web, or Windows key plus H in any editor. Google Docs has voice typing under Tools.

The workflow that survives contact with real documents: rough outline, fast spoken draft, structural edit, polish. Dictation wins the drafting stage three to one on speed; trying to make it win the polish stage is what frustrates people.

For essays and long-form drafts, speech to text for essays keeps the draft stage fast.