Right in front of my face

An underutilized Microsoft Word hack to save typing and WFH upgrades in the paid section.

Last week, I embraced the Microsoft Word Dictate function to record a podcast interview for one client and transcribe parts of a book for an author client.

Why it matters

Before this epiphany slapped me in the kisser, I might have typed out both, bouncing back and forth from screen to screen. MPIA (see below)!

Going deeper

Instead, I took the following actions:

• Hit play on the podcast

• Went to Word, clicked the Dictate menu and selected Transcribe

• Hit stop and then followed the menu prompt to add the transcript to the document.

• SAVE! Then edit.

By the book

For the book quotations:

• Click the Dictate button and select Dictate option

• A toolbar will appear with a microphone and a few other options. Click the microphone and read aloud from the book. Read as if you were sending an audio-to-text message.

• Don’t forget to add the punctuation. Your recitation will appear on the Word document.

Save!

What’s MPIA?

That’s Major Pain in the Ass. For those of us old enough to remember, transcribing notes, meeting minutes or anything else is. Don’t overlook this major time saver—or MTS.

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Messy microwave

When you work from home, the breakroom/kitchen is yours. No night janitor to come in and clean up after you. So those nasty lunch spills in the microwave are on you. Here’s a cool hack to help keep it clean.

Spardar Angry Mama Microwave Oven Steam Cleaner, Microwave Cleaner Disinfects With Vinegar and Water for Kitchens, The Fun and Easy Way to Steam Clean Crud with Amazing Results

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The Monday vibe: The Pacific theme by Hans Zimmer