Dragon user training
Training will help you to set up and use Dragon to best advantage.

Why use Dragon?
- enhance your productivity — most people can dictate faster than they can type;
- you might prefer, or find it easier, to talk rather than type;
- operate a computer more effectively if you have a health condition or disability that limits your ability to use the keyboard and mouse;
- Dragon can make writing easier for those with dyslexia.
How is training delivered?
One-on-one training
Most users would ideally do their initial set up and training one-on-one, however the online group tutorials can provide ongoing support on particular topics. Click here for more information on online group tutorials.
- We provide one-on-one training. Training is generally provided online (using Microsoft Teams, or if you prefer, whichever videoconferencing software you use). If you prefer some or all of your training to be delivered face-to-face and you are located in the ACT, this can be arranged. We recommend that the initial session be conducted online to ensure that Dragon is working and you have all the necessary equipment to proceed with training.
- From 1 Apr 25 we will also be offering group online tutorials covering a range of topics, and generally available on a fortnightly basis.
Most users would ideally do their initial set up and training one-on-one, however the online group tutorials can provide ongoing support on particular topics. Click here for more information on online group tutorials.
Rate
One-on-One training
The rate from 1 Jan 25 is $140 per hour.
This rate applies to training and admin. Travel is charged at $80 per hour. We will work with you to develop a plan tailored to your specific needs and provide a quote, so you will know the maximum cost upfront.
Prices do not include GST, as Viva Voce is not registered for GST.
A 5% Pay On Time Discount applies to invoices paid within 30 days, reducing the hourly training & admin rate to $133 per hour, and the travel rate to $76.
Payment can be made by EFT or credit card.
Contact us for a tailored quote.
Online Group Tutorials
Tutorial are currently offered free of charge.
We will be introducing a charge of $28 per tutorial from 1 July 25.
The rate from 1 Jan 25 is $140 per hour.
This rate applies to training and admin. Travel is charged at $80 per hour. We will work with you to develop a plan tailored to your specific needs and provide a quote, so you will know the maximum cost upfront.
Prices do not include GST, as Viva Voce is not registered for GST.
A 5% Pay On Time Discount applies to invoices paid within 30 days, reducing the hourly training & admin rate to $133 per hour, and the travel rate to $76.
Payment can be made by EFT or credit card.
Contact us for a tailored quote.
Online Group Tutorials
Tutorial are currently offered free of charge.
We will be introducing a charge of $28 per tutorial from 1 July 25.
How much training will I need?
If unsure of how much training you will need, we suggest starting with an initial session, after which you can reassess.
The amount of training required to use Dragon to best advantage varies from person to person, depending on your needs.
Training will be tailored to suit your particular needs, so your program will depend upon a number of factors:
Those Dragon users generally requiring more specialised training include:
The amount of training required to use Dragon to best advantage varies from person to person, depending on your needs.
Training will be tailored to suit your particular needs, so your program will depend upon a number of factors:
- your existing knowledge and skills;
- which applications you plan to use Dragon in;
- do you wish to use Dragon just for dictating text, or do you need to do as many computing tasks as possible by voice, including commands?;
- whether you need to customise Dragon by creating custom commands (macros); and
- how much time you have for self-directed learning and practice between training sessions.
Those Dragon users generally requiring more specialised training include:
- users with a health condition or disability, including Occupational Overuse Syndrome (RSI);
- workplace users who need speech recognition software to be as efficient and productive as possible;
- users who need Dragon for complex computing tasks in several different applications; and
- users who wish to adapt Dragon to work in applications it is not specifically designed for.
The training process
Face-to-face training is usually delivered online. However training at your workplace or home in the ACT can be arranged.
The training will be tailored to your needs.
We find that a flip learning approach generally works well. In short, this involves the trainer helping the user to get started with Dragon.
The user then engages with the software and brings their questions to the next training session.
Although the trainer will ensure that all are important aspects are covered, the user determines much of the content of the sessions by bringing along their questions, after actively engaging with the software between training sessions.
The training will be tailored to your needs.
We find that a flip learning approach generally works well. In short, this involves the trainer helping the user to get started with Dragon.
The user then engages with the software and brings their questions to the next training session.
Although the trainer will ensure that all are important aspects are covered, the user determines much of the content of the sessions by bringing along their questions, after actively engaging with the software between training sessions.
Appointments & cancellation policy
Once an appointment is made, please provide as much notice as possible if a cancellation is necessary. This will allow sufficient time for another Dragon user on the waiting list to use the session time.
Cancellation fees apply if the session is cancelled:
· with less than 48 hours’ notice — a 15 minute fee
· with less than 24 hours’ notice — a 30 minute fee
· In the case of non-attendance or not being able to proceed with training because equipment is not working — the fee for the length of the booked session and travel will be charged.
It is important to check that Dragon software and microphone are working before the training session.
Cancellation fees apply if the session is cancelled:
· with less than 48 hours’ notice — a 15 minute fee
· with less than 24 hours’ notice — a 30 minute fee
· In the case of non-attendance or not being able to proceed with training because equipment is not working — the fee for the length of the booked session and travel will be charged.
It is important to check that Dragon software and microphone are working before the training session.
What equipment do I need?
- A suitable computer
- Dragon software — Dragon Professional Individual or Dragon Group. The latest version is 16.
- A suitable microphone
- The Microsoft Office suite for best results (note that Dragon does not support the cloud only version of Microsoft Office 365. The desktop version is required for compatibility with Dragon)
- For online training you will need an internet connection
Contact us for further information, or to book a training session.