Sony ICD-BP150VTP Dragon Naturally Speaking 6 Users Guide - Page 184

CHAPTER 14 Healthy Computing If the keyboard is at the ideal height, the angle of your elbows while typing should be slightly more open than 90 degrees. The mouse or other pointing device should be at the same height as the keyboard. Place the monitor so that the top of the screen is an inch or two above eye level. With this positioning, you can look straight ahead to see the first line of text in your document and read the rest of the screen by moving your eyes down-moving the whole head is not necessary. Also make sure that no light sources are reflected in the monitor. If there are windows in the same room as the computer, it's usually best to place the monitor at a right angle to the windows. Maintaining good vocal health Some people experience vocal strain when using speech-recognition software. Like an athlete stretching before a run, you can take preventive measures to maintain good vocal health. Speak normally, with these guidelines s Speak in a relaxed manner, approximating your normal flow of speech. s Use pitch and inflection. There's no need to speak in a monotone. You'll put much more energy into your voice this way, which is healthier for you and makes Dragon NaturallySpeaking® more accurate. s Breathe with your diaphragm-rather than more shallowly, in the chest-to better support your voice. Notice your breathing Put your hand on your abdomen. If you're breathing through your diaphragm, your hand will rise (your abdomen will expand) as you inhale. As you exhale, your hand will fall. Breathing this way may take some practice, but it's well worth getting into the habit. If you're breathing from the chest, only your chest will rise and fall instead of both your chest and abdomen. 176 Dragon NaturallySpeaking User's Guide