"Verbal Tab" command inserts spaces instead of selecting the next text box (280613)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003
  • Microsoft PowerPoint 2002
This article was previously published under Q280613

SYMPTOMS

In a Microsoft Office PowerPoint slide, you can change the focus from one text box to another by pressing the TAB key, assuming that the text box is not in the text edit mode. Similarly, when you use Speech Recognition to add text to text boxes, the focus does not shift from the current text box to the next one when you say the word "tab" -- whether you are in Dictation mode or Voice Command mode -- unless the border of the text box has been selected so that it is no longer in text edit mode.

CAUSE

When you say the word "tab" in Dictation mode, the insertion point moves a certain number of spaces to the right, depending on the default setting. This behavior also occurs in Command mode, assuming that the insertion point is still visible inside the text box.

WORKAROUND

To use Speech Recognition to move from one text box to another, follow these steps:
  1. Start PowerPoint and open a new blank document.
  2. In the default title slide, in the first text box, click the default text to add a title.
  3. On the Language toolbar, click Microphone, and then click Dictation.
  4. Say "This is the title."
  5. Say "voice command" to select the Command mode.
  6. Say "line" to select the border of the text box and leave the text edit mode.
  7. Say "tab" to change the focus to the next text box.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/4/2006
Keywords:kbprb KB280613
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