Speech to text for Slack

Speech to Text in Slack

Dictate channel updates, support replies, incident handoffs, and direct messages into the Slack field that has focus. StarWhisper uses a global Windows hotkey and local Whisper transcription, so you can review every message before you send it.

"The deploy is complete, here is the handoff..."

Set Up Dictation in Slack

Draft the message first, then decide when it is ready to send.

1

Install StarWhisper

Download StarWhisper, install it on Windows, and allow microphone access. Start with a local Whisper model. The free tier includes 2,000 words per week.

2

Set a hotkey

Right-click the StarWhisper circle, open Settings, choose the Basic tab, and use the Hotkey section. Pick a combination that does not interfere with your normal Slack shortcuts.

3

Focus the Slack message field

Open the channel, direct message, or thread where you want to write. Click the message field and check the cursor before recording. StarWhisper types into whichever Windows field is active.

4

Dictate, review, and send

Hold the hotkey, speak the update in complete sentences, and release it. Read the inserted text, correct names or details, and press Slack's send control yourself when the message is ready.

Useful Slack Dictation Jobs

Get the full thought into the message field without rushing the final send.

Post a channel update

Dictate what changed, what is blocked, and what the team should do next. Review the wording and channel before you publish the update.

Write a support reply

Speak the customer's context, the answer, and the next step. Edit names, links, and promised actions before sending the reply.

Hand off an incident

Capture the timeline, current status, owner, and follow-up checks by voice. A complete handoff is easier to scan than a string of short messages.

Share a meeting recap

Dictate your own recap after a call, including decisions and open questions. Treat the transcript as a draft and check every person and date.

Why Use Speech to Text in Slack?

Slack messages are often short, but important updates are not. A useful handoff may need a timeline, the decision already made, the current owner, and the next check. Dictating that context can be easier than typing it while switching between channels and threads.

StarWhisper inserts the transcript into the Slack field you focus. That keeps the normal review step intact. You can shorten the message, add a link, choose a different channel, and send only when the text says what you mean.

Local Speech Recognition for Work Messages

StarWhisper uses the OpenAI Whisper model family through local whisper.cpp processing. In Local Mode, your speech is transcribed on your computer before it becomes text in Slack. The audio does not need to leave the device for this workflow.

Pro users can choose an optional cloud Whisper fallback. If local processing matters for internal messages, review the offline speech-to-text guide and stay with Local Mode.

Models, Languages, and Hardware

StarWhisper supports models from tiny through large-v3 and 100+ languages. Use a model and language choice that fits the message you are dictating. CUDA, Vulkan, and Metal acceleration paths depend on hardware and operating system, and CPU-only processing is also available.

For technical names, customer names, links, and incident identifiers, keep the review step. Correct them in Slack or paste the exact text before sending.

Troubleshooting Speech to Text in Slack

  • Text appears in the wrong place: click the intended channel, thread, or direct-message field again before holding the hotkey.
  • No text appears: check the configured hotkey, microphone permission, selected input, and installed local model.
  • The result is slow: try a smaller model or a supported CUDA, Vulkan, or Metal path.
  • The message has a mistake: edit it before sending. Dictation does not replace your normal Slack review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does StarWhisper work in Slack?
Yes. StarWhisper types dictated text into the active Windows text field. Focus the Slack message field, use the configured hotkey, speak, release, and review the text before sending it.
Is speech to text in Slack processed offline?
In Local Mode, StarWhisper runs Whisper locally through whisper.cpp, so audio stays on the device during transcription. Pro users can optionally choose cloud fallback, but it is not required.
Can I review a dictated Slack message before sending it?
Yes. StarWhisper inserts text into the active Slack field. Read it, fix names or details, and press Slack's send control yourself when the message is ready.
How do I change the StarWhisper hotkey?
Right-click the StarWhisper circle, open Settings, choose the Basic tab, and use the Hotkey section to set a key combination.

Try Speech to Text in Slack Free

2,000 words per week on the free tier. Local Whisper transcription on your computer.

Download StarWhisper for Windows