Abstract: A speech recognition system and method operates a speech recognition application on a computer in a continuous dictation mode. A separate key pad is coupled to the computer through the USB port, and includes a plurality of keys for providing command signals representative of a desired computer operation command which override the dictation mode of the speech recognition application whenever such a command is operated. This allows the user to insert commands, such as punctuation, numerals, “next line”, “next paragraph”, and the like, directly from the key pad while maintaining operation of the voice recognition application in its continuous dictation mode.