A system and method for switching between the command-mode of operation and the text-mode of operation in voice-recognition systems. The system operates using voice-recognition software and a mechanical switch which together enable the system to differentiate between spoken commands that are used to operate the system and spoken words that are inserted as text into a software application. The mechanical switch can be added to a conventional computer mouse, hand-held or desk-mounted microphone, personal digital assistant such as a Palm Pilot, or any other apparatus either used with or having a microphone. Alternatively, the system and method can be implemented using software alone without a mechanical switch, i.e., an electronic switch, wherein a specialized word or words are used to command the system to switch between the command-mode and the text-mode. Such an electronic switch can be implemented in a mouse, microphone or electronic organizer in addition to or in lieu of any mechanical switch such apparatus may contain.