How to dictate punctuation and formatting
With Wispr Flow you usually do not narrate punctuation, it adds commas, periods, and question marks automatically from the way you speak. You only say punctuation and formatting explicitly when you need a specific structure the app cannot infer, like a deliberate line break, a numbered list, or a particular layout. The rule of thumb: speak naturally first, and only add spoken formatting when the default is not what you want.
Let it punctuate for you
Modern dictation infers punctuation from your rhythm and phrasing. If you speak in natural sentences and pause where a sentence ends, Wispr Flow will place periods and commas for you. Over-narrating ("comma", "period") on top of that can actually make the output worse.
When to say it explicitly
Say formatting out loud when you want structure the app would not guess:
- New line or new paragraph when you want a deliberate break.
- Lists when you want numbered or bulleted items.
- Specific punctuation in edge cases (for example, a colon before a list).
For the exact spoken commands your version supports, check Wispr Flow's help center, since the phrasing can change, and consider Command Mode for reformatting after the fact.
Formatting after you speak
Often the cleanest workflow is to dictate the content naturally, then use Command Mode or the keyboard to format it, turning a paragraph into bullets, for example. Separating "get the words down" from "format it" is faster than doing both at once.
Get the punctuation right by default
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Frequently asked questions
No. It adds punctuation automatically from your phrasing. Only say punctuation when you need a specific structure the app would not infer.
Use the spoken commands your version supports for new lines and lists, or dictate the content and format it afterward with Command Mode or the keyboard.
Related: Command Mode · how to use Wispr Flow · dictation tips