Document:

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                                                                    Exhibit 10.1

                           NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

                       STAND-ALONE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

I.    NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

      Donald Hunt

      You, Donald Hunt, (the "Optionee"), have been granted a Nonstatutory Stock
Option to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and
conditions of this Option Agreement, as follows:

      Grant Number                             006111

      Date of Agreement/Grant                  October 10, 2006

      Vesting Commencement Date                October 10, 2006

      Exercise Price per Share                 $9.61

      Total Number of Shares Granted           400,000

      Total Exercise Price                     $3,844,000.00

      Type of Option:                          [ ] Incentive Stock Option

                                               [X] Nonstatutory Stock Option

      Term/Expiration Date:                    October 10, 2013

      Vesting Schedule:

      Subject to accelerated vesting as set forth below, this Option may be
exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the following schedule:

      25% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest twelve months after the
Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/48 of the Shares subject to the Option shall
vest each month thereafter, subject to the Optionee continuing to be a Service
Provider on such dates.

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      Termination Period:

      This Option may be exercised for 30 (THIRTY) DAYS after (i) Optionee
voluntarily ceases to be a Service Provider or (ii) Optionees employment is
terminated for cause. In the event of an involuntary termination (not for
cause), this option may be exercised 90 (NINETY) DAYS after Optionee ceases to
be a Service Provider. Upon the death or Disability of the Optionee, this Option
may be exercised for SIX MONTHS after Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider.

      If there is a change of control transaction and Optionees employment is
terminated within twelve months following the change of control transaction by
the Company for a reason other than cause, death or disability, and Optionee
executes a severance agreement specified by the Company (including, among other
things, a full release of claims and non-competition agreement), Optionee will
receive immediate acceleration of any unvested stock options.

      In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Term/Expiration
Date as provided above.

II.   AGREEMENT

      A. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

            (a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees as
      shall be responsible for administering the Company's equity compenstation
      plans.

            (b) "Agreement" means this stock option agreement between the
      Company and Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of this Option.

            (c) "Applicable Laws" means the requirements relating to the
      administration of equity-based awards under U.S. state corporate laws,
      U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or
      quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the
      applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction that may apply to
      this Option.

            (d) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

            (e) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any
      reference to a section of the Code herein will be a reference to any
      successor or amended section of the Code.

            (f) "Committee" means a committee of Directors appointed by the
      Board.

            (g) "Common Stock" means the common stock of the Company.

            (h) "Company" means Nuance Communications, Inc. a Delaware
      corporation. With respect to the definitions of the Performance Goals, the
      Committee may determine that "Company" means Nuance Communications, Inc.
      and its consolidated subsidiaries.

                                      -2-
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            (i) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, engaged by
      the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.

            (j) "Director" means a member of the Board.

            (k) "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined in
      Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

            (l) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
      employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
      Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the
      Company shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

            (m) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
      amended.

            (n) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common
      Stock determined as follows:

                  (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
            exchange or a national market system, including without limitation
            the Nasdaq National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The
            Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing
            sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were
            reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of
            determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other
            source as the Administrator deems reliable;

                  (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
            securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair
            Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between
            the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the last
            market trading day on the day of determination, as reported in The
            Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems
            reliable; or

                  (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common
            Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by
            the Administrator.

            (o) "Nonstatutory Stock Option" means an Option that by its terms
      does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock
      Option.

            (p) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company within
      the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and
      regulations promulgated thereunder.

            (q) "Option" means this Nonstatutory Stock Option.

            (r) "Optionee" means Donald Hunt or his successor.

            (s) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to this Option.

                                      -3-
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            (t) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
      existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

            (u) "Rule 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any
      successor to Rule 16b-3.

            (v) "Section 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

            (w) "Service Provider" means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

            (x) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
      accordance with Section J Part II of this Agreement.

            (y) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
      hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

      B.    Grant of Option.

            The Compensation Committee of the Board of the Company hereby grants
to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of this
Agreement an Option to purchase the number of Shares, as set forth in the Notice
of Grant, at the Exercise Price per share set forth in the Notice of Grant,
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

      C.    Exercise of Option.

            (a) Right to Exercise. This Option is exercisable during its term in
accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and the
applicable provisions of this Agreement.

            (b) Method of Exercise. This Option is exercisable by delivery of an
exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit A (the "Exercise Notice"),
which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in
respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised Shares"), and
such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company. The
Exercise Notice shall be completed by the Optionee and delivered to the Stock
Plan Administrator of the Company (or its designee). The Exercise Notice shall
be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised
Shares (and the amount of any income or employment tax the Company is required
by law to withhold by reason of such exercise). This Option shall be deemed to
be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice
accompanied by such aggregate Exercise Price (and any withholding tax).

                  No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this
Option unless such issuance and exercise complies with Applicable Laws. Assuming
such compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be
considered transferred to the Optionee on the date the Option is exercised with
respect to such Exercised Shares.

                                      -4-
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      D.    Method of Payment.

            Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by any of the
following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

            1. cash; or

            2. check; or

            3. consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise
program implemented by the Company in connection with this Agreement; or

            4. surrender of other Shares which (i) in the case of Shares
acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a Fair Market Value
on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised
Shares.

      E.    Non-Transferability of Option.

            This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by
will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the
lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms of this Option Agreement
shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and
assigns of the Optionee.

      F.    Term of Option.

            This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the
Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with
the terms of this Option Agreement.

      G.    Tax Consequences.

            Some of the federal tax consequences relating to this Option, as of
the date of this Option, are set forth below. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY
INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE OPTIONEE
SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE
SHARES.

      H.    Exercising the Option.

            1. Nonstatutory Stock Option. The Optionee may incur regular federal
income tax liability upon exercise of a NSO. The Optionee will be treated as
having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax rates) equal
to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Exercised Shares on the
date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price. If the Optionee is an
Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be required to withhold from his
or her compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing
authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this compensation income
at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to
deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of
exercise.

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            2.    Disposition of Shares.

                  (a) NSO. If the Optionee holds NSO Shares for at least one
year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as
long-term capital gain for federal income tax purposes.

      (I) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider.

      If the Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the
Optionee's death or Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option
within such period of time as is specified in the Notice of Grant above to the
extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event
later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in this
Agreement. If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise the Option
within the time specified, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by
such Option terminate.

      Disability of Participant. If Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider as
a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise this Option
within such period of time as is specified in the Notice of Grant to the extent
the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the
expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in this Agreement). If, after
termination, the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time
specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such
Option shall terminate.

      Death of Participant. If Optionee dies while a Service Provider, the
Option may be exercised following the Optionee's death within such period of
time as specified in the Notice of Grant (but in no event may the Option be
exercised later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in
this Agreement), by the Optionee's estate or by a person who acquires the right
to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent that
the Option is vested on the date of death. The Option may be exercised by the
executor or administrator of the Optionee's estate or, if none, by the person(s)
entitled to exercise the Option under the Optionee's will or the laws of descent
or distribution. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall
terminate.

      Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to buy out for
a payment in cash or Shares an Option previously granted based on such terms and
conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the
Participant at the time that such offer is made.

      (J)   .Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or
            Asset Sale.

            (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the
      stockholders of the Company, the number and class of Shares that may be
      delivered under this agreement and/or the number, class, and price of
      Shares covered under this agreement, shall be proportionately adjusted for
      any increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares resulting from a
      stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or
      reclassification of the Shares, or any other increase or decrease in the
      number of issued Shares effected without receipt of consideration by the
      Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities
      of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt
      of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose
      determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
      Except as expressly provided herein, no

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      issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities
      convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no
      adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or
      price of Shares subject this Agreement.

            (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
      dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify
      the Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such
      proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for
      the Optionee to have the right to exercise his Option until ten (10) days
      prior to such transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock covered thereby,
      including Shares as to which the Option would not otherwise be
      exercisable. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, the
      Option will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such
      proposed action.

            (c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company
      with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the
      assets of the Company, the Option shall be assumed or an equivalent option
      substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the
      successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses
      to assume or substitute for the Award, the Optionee shall fully vest in
      and have the right to exercise the Option as to all of the Optioned Stock,
      including Shares as to which would not otherwise be vested or exercisable.
      If the Option becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption
      or substitution in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the
      Administrator shall notify the Optionee in writing or electronically that
      the Option will be fully vested and exercisable for a period of fifteen
      (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option will terminate upon
      the expiration of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the
      Option shall be considered assumed if, following the merger or sale of
      assets, the Option confers the right to purchase or receive, for each
      Share subject of Optioned Stock subject to the Option immediately prior to
      the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or
      other securities or property) received in the merger or sale of assets by
      holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the
      transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the
      type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the
      outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration
      received in the merger or sale of assets is not solely common stock of the
      successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the
      consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be
      received upon the exercise of the Option, for each Share of Optioned Stock
      to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal
      in fair market value to the per Share consideration received by holders of
      Common Stock in the merger or sale of assets.

      K. Administration of the Agreement. The Administrator shall have the
authority, in its discretion, to construe and interpret the terms of this
Agreement and the Option granted pursuant thereto, to prescribe, amend and
rescind the rules and regulations relating to the Agreement, to determine the
Fair Market Value of the Common Stock, and to make all other determinations
deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Agreement. The
Administrator's decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and
binding on the Optionee and all other persons.

      L. Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be addressed to the Company at its then current principal
executive office or to such other

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

address as the Company may hereafter designate to the Optionee by notice as
provided in this Section. Any notice to be given to the Optionee hereunder shall
be addressed to the Optionee at the address set forth beneath his signature
hereto, or at such other address as the Optionee may hereafter designate to the
Company by notice as provided herein. A notice shall be deemed to have been duly
given when personally delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail to the
party entitled to receive it.

      M. No Effect on Employment or Service. This agreement will not confer upon
Optionee's right with respect to continuing the Optionee's relationship as a
Service Provider with the Company, nor will this Agreement interfere in any way
with the Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate such relationship
at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

      N. Entire Agreement; Governing Law.

            This Option Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the
parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their
entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the
Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and
Optionee. This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not
the choice of law rules, of Delaware.

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<PAGE>

                        NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE

            OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT
TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE
PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED,
BEING GRANTED AN OPTION OR PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER
ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED
HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING
PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT
OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE OPTIONEE'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE
PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.

      By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative below,
you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the
terms and conditions of the this Option Agreement. Optionee has reviewed this
Option Agreement in its entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of
counsel prior to executing this Option Agreement and fully understands all
provisions of the Option Agreement. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding,
conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon
any questions relating to this Option Agreement. Optionee further agrees to
notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.

OPTIONEE:                                       NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

/s/ Donald Hunt
----------------------------------------
Signature                                       By /s/ Paul Ricci

                                                CEO and Chairman of the Board
----------------------------------------        --------------------------------
Donald Hunt                                     Title

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                                    EXHIBIT A

                           NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

                          STAND-ALONE OPTION AGREEMENT

                                 EXERCISE NOTICE

Nuance Communications, Inc.
One Wayside Road
Burlington, MA  01803

Attention: Stock Plan Administrator

      1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ________________, _____, the
undersigned ("Purchaser") hereby elects to purchase ______________ shares (the
"Shares") of the Common Stock of Nuance Communications, Inc. (the "Company")
under and pursuant to the Stand-Alone Stock Option Agreement dated October 10,
2006 (the "Option Agreement"). The purchase price for the Shares shall be $9.61,
as required by the Option Agreement.

      2. Delivery of Payment. Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the
full purchase price for the Shares.

      3. Representations of Purchaser. Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser has
received, read and understood the Option Agreement and agrees to abide by and be
bound by their terms and conditions.

      4. Rights as Shareholder. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or
any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned
Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares so acquired shall
be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option.
No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record
date is prior to the date of issuance, except as provided in Section J of the
Stand Alone Stock Option Agreement.

      5. Tax Consultation. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer
adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or disposition of
the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted with any tax
consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

<PAGE>

      6. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Option Agreement is incorporated
herein by reference. This Option Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of
the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their
entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Purchaser with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the
Purchaser's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and
Purchaser. This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not
the choice of law rules, of Delaware.

Submitted by:                                  Accepted by:

PURCHASER:                                     NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

--------------------------------------         ---------------------------------
Signature                                      By

--------------------------------------         ---------------------------------
Print Name                                     Its

Address:                                       Address:

                                               NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
--------------------------------------         One Wayside Road
                                               Burlington, MA  01803
--------------------------------------

                                               ---------------------------------
                                               Date Received

                                      -2-<PAGE>
                                                                  Exhibit 10.2

                           NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                                   STAND-ALONE
                       RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                           (PERFORMANCE-BASED VESTING)

(A)      Name of Grantee:           Donald Hunt
                                    ------------------
(B)      Credit Date:               October 10, 2006
                                    ------------------
(C)      Number of Shares:          450,000
                                    ------------------
(D)      Price per Share:           $0.001
                                    ------------------
(E)      Effective Date:            October 10, 2006
                                    ------------------

     THIS RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE GRANT AGREEMENT (the "AGREEMENT"), is
effective as of the date set forth in Item E above (the "EFFECTIVE DATE")
between Nuance Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "COMPANY") and
the person named in Item A above ("GRANTEE").

     THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

1.   STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS. Pursuant to terms set forth in this Agreement, the
     Company hereby credits to a separate account maintained on the books of the
     Company (the "ACCOUNT") Stock Purchase Rights which will give Grantee the
     right to purchase that number of shares of Common Stock of the Company, par
     value $0.001 (the "SHARES"), listed in Item C above on the terms and
     conditions set forth herein.

2.   COMPANY'S OBLIGATION TO PAY; PURCHASE PRICE. Each Stock Purchase Right has
     a value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of this
     Agreement. Unless and until the Stock Purchase Rights will have vested in
     the manner set forth in Section 4, the Grantee will have no right to
     receive the Shares subject to the Stock Purchase Rights. Prior to actual
     payment of any Shares, such Stock Purchase Rights will represent an
     unsecured obligation of the Company, payable (if at all) only from the
     general assets of the Company. The purchase price for the Shares subject to
     the Stock Purchase Rights shall be the price set forth in Item D above.

3.   DEFINITIONS.

     (a)  "ADMINISTRATOR" means the Board or any committee of the Board that has
          been designated by the Board to administer this Agreement.

     (b)  "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

     (c)  "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

     (d)  "COMMON STOCK" means the Common Stock of the Company.

<PAGE>

     (e)  "CONSULTANT" means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the
          Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity

     (f)  "DIRECTOR" means a member of the Board or a member of the Board of
          Directors of any parent or Subsidiary to render services to such
          entity.

     (g)  "EMPLOYEE" means an employee of the Company or any Parent or
          Subsidiary of the Company. A Service Provider shall not cease to be an
          Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the
          Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between
          the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary of the Company, or any
          successor.

     (h)  "FISCAL YEAR" means the fiscal year of the Company.

     (i)  "PARENT" means a "parent corporation", whether now or hereafter
          existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

     (j)  "SERVICE PROVIDER" means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

     (k)  "SUBSIDIARY" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
          hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

4.   VESTING. Subject to Grantee's continuing to be a Service Provider on each
     date set forth below and the terms and conditions of letter agreement
     entered into between the Company and Grantee dated September 25, 2006 (the
     "LETTER AGREEMENT"), the Stock Purchase Rights shall vest, if at all, in
     the amounts and on the dates (if applicable) or earlier achievement of the
     performance objectives set forth below:

<Table>
<Caption>
                           Vesting Date                              Performance Objective
     Shares          (for time-based vesting)                   (for performance-based vesting)
     ------          ------------------------                   -------------------------------
<S>                  <C>                            <C>

    112,500              October 10, 2009           Achievement of the Board-approved financial targets for
                                                           the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007

    112,500              October 10, 2009           Achievement of the Board-approved financial targets for
                                                           the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007

     75,000                    None                 Achievement of the Board-approved financial targets for
                                                           the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007

     75,000                    None                 Achievement of the Board-approved financial targets for
                                                           the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008

     75,000                    None                 Achievement of the Board-approved financial targets for
                                                           the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009
</Table>

If the Board-approved financial targets for the fiscal years ended September 30,
2007, 2008 or 2009 are not achieved, the Stock Purchase Rights without a
scheduled vesting date (75,000 on each such date) shall immediately terminate.

<PAGE>

5.   FORFEITURE UPON TERMINATION AS SERVICE PROVIDER. Notwithstanding any
     contrary provision of this Agreement, except as otherwise set forth in the
     Letter Agreement, if the Grantee's status as a Service Provider terminates
     for any or no reason, prior to a vesting date set forth above, the unvested
     Stock Purchase Rights awarded by this Agreement will immediately terminate
     and be forfeited at no cost to the Company.

6.   PAYMENT AFTER VESTING. Any Stock Purchase Rights that vest in accordance
     with Section 4 will be paid to the Grantee in Shares at the purchase price
     (which shall be satisfied through past services to the Company) set forth
     in Section 2, provided that to the extent determined appropriate by the
     Company, the Grantee shall satisfy any federal, state and local withholding
     taxes with respect to such Stock Purchase Rights prior to the payment of
     any vested Shares to the Grantee.

7.   RIGHTS AS STOCKHOLDER. Neither the Grantee nor any person claiming under or
     through the Grantee will have any of the rights or privileges of a
     stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder
     unless and until certificates representing such Shares will have been
     issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or
     registrars, and delivered to the Grantee.

8.   RELATION TO THE COMPANY. Grantee is presently an officer, director, or
     other employee of, or Consultant to the Company and in such capacity has
     become personally familiar with the business, affairs, financial condition,
     and results of the operations of the Company.

9.   ADJUSTMENT UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, DISSOLUTION, MERGER OR ASSET
     SALE.

     (a)  Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the
          stockholders of the Company, the number and class of Shares that may
          be delivered under this Award, shall be proportionately adjusted for
          any increase or decrease in the number of issued Shares resulting from
          a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or
          reclassification of the Shares, or any other increase or decrease in
          the number of issued Shares effected without receipt of consideration
          by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible
          securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
          without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by
          the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding
          and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by
          the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible
          into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by
          reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of
          Shares subject to this Award.

     (b)  Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution
          or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify Grantee
          as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed
          transaction. To the extent it has not been previously vested, this
          Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such
          proposed action.

<PAGE>

     (c)  Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company with or
          into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the
          assets of the Company, shares subject to this Award that remain
          outstanding at such time shall be assumed or an equivalent right
          substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of
          the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation
          refuses to assume or substitute for the Award, the Grantee will fully
          vest in and have the right to such shares even if such shares would
          not otherwise be vested and all vesting criteria will be deemed
          achieved at target levels and all other terms and conditions met.

10.  TAX ADVICE. The Company has made no warranties or representations to
     Grantee with respect to the income tax consequences of the transactions
     contemplated by the agreement pursuant to which the Stock Purchase Rights
     have been issued and Shares will be purchased and Grantee is in no manner
     relying on the Company or its representatives for an assessment of such tax
     consequences. The Grantee acknowledges that the Grantee has not relied and
     will not rely upon the Company or the Company's counsel with respect to any
     tax consequences related to the Stock Purchase Rights or the ownership,
     purchase, or disposition of the Shares. The Grantee assumes full
     responsibility for all such consequences and for the preparation and filing
     of all tax returns and elections which may or must be filed in connection
     with the Stock Purchase Rights and the Shares.

11.  WITHHOLDING OF TAXES.

     (a)  Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Agreement, no
          certificate representing Shares may be released from the Company
          unless and until the Grantee shall have delivered to the Company the
          full amount of any federal, state or local income or other taxes which
          the Company may be required by law to withhold with respect to such
          Shares. At the election of the Company, any federal, state and local
          withholding taxes with respect to the Stock Purchase Rights and/or the
          Shares may be paid by reducing the number of vested Shares actually
          paid to the Grantee.

     (b)  At the Grantee's election, the Company may deduct from any payment of
          distribution of Restricted Stock the amount of any tax required by law
          to be withheld with respect to the purchase of the shares of
          Restricted Stock or the lapse of the Purchase Option. GRANTEE MUST
          INFORM THE COMPANY OF HIS OR HER PREFERENCE FOR PAYMENT OF THEIR
          WITHHOLDING TAX OBLIGATIONS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THE
          DOCUMENTATION. AN ELECTION FORM IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT A.

12.  ASSIGNMENT; BINDING EFFECT. Subject to the limitations set forth in this
     Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
     the executors, administrators, heirs, legal representatives, and successors
     of the parties hereto; provided, however, that Grantee may not assign any
     of Grantee's rights under this Agreement.

<PAGE>

13.  DAMAGES. Grantee shall be liable to the Company for all costs and damages,
     including incidental and consequential damages, resulting from a
     disposition of the Stock Purchase Rights which is not in conformity with
     the provisions of this Agreement.

14.  GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
     accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts excluding
     those laws that direct the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

15.  NOTICES. All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be
     in writing. Unless and until the Grantee is notified in writing to the
     contrary, all notices, communications, and documents directed to the
     Company and related to the Agreement, if not delivered by hand, shall be
     mailed, addressed as follows:

                           Nuance Communications, Inc.
                                One Wayside Road
                              Burlington, MA 01803
                             Attention: HR Director

     Unless and until the Company is notified in writing to the contrary, all
     notices, communications, and documents intended for the Grantee and related
     to this Agreement, if not delivered by hand, shall be mailed to Grantee's
     last known address as shown on the Company's books. Notices and
     communications shall be mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid;
     documents shall be mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested,
     postage prepaid. All mailings and deliveries related to the Agreement shall
     be deemed received when actually received, if by hand delivery, and two
     business days after mailing, if by mail.

16.  ARBITRATION. Any and all disputes or controversies arising out of this
     Agreement shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted in Essex County
     in accordance with the then existing rules of the American Arbitration
     Association, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be
     entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof; provided that nothing in
     this Section 14 shall prevent a party from applying to a court of competent
     jurisdiction to obtain temporary relief pending resolution of the dispute
     through arbitration. The parties hereby agree that service of any notices
     in the course of such arbitration at their respective addresses as provided
     for in Section 13 shall be valid and sufficient.

17.  NO RIGHTS TO STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS, SHARES, OPTIONS OR EMPLOYMENT. Other
     than with respect to the Stock Purchase Rights, neither Grantee nor any
     other person shall have any claim or right to be issued stock or granted an
     option under this agreement. Having received a Stock Purchase Right shall
     not give the Grantee any right to receive any other grant or options under
     any Company Plan. This Stock Purchase Right is not an employment contract
     and nothing in this Stock Purchase Right shall be deemed to create in any
     way whatsoever any obligation on your part to continue in the employ of the
     Company, or the Company to continue your employment with the Company.

<PAGE>

18.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT. Company and Grantee agree that this Agreement (including
     its attached Exhibits) is the complete and exclusive statement between
     Company and Grantee regarding its subject matter and supersedes all prior
     proposals, communications, and agreements of the parties, whether oral or
     written, regarding the grant Stock Purchase Rights and Shares to Grantee.

19.  ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TO ISSUANCE OF SHARES. If at any time the Company
     will determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration or
     qualification of the Shares upon any securities exchange or under any state
     or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory
     authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the issuance of
     Shares to the Grantee, such issuance will not occur unless and until such
     listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval will have been
     effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company.
     The Company will make all reasonable efforts to meet the requirements of
     any such state or federal law or securities exchange and to obtain any such
     consent or approval of any such governmental authority.

20.  ADMINISTRATOR AUTHORITY. The Administrator will have the power to interpret
     this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration,
     interpretation and application of this agreement as are consistent
     therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules (including, but not
     limited to, the determination of whether or not any Stock Purchase Rights
     have vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations
     made by the Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon the
     Grantee, the Company and all other interested persons. No member of the
     Administrator will be personally liable for any action, determination or
     interpretation made in good faith with respect to this Agreement.

21.  CAPTIONS. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to
     serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

22.  AGREEMENT SEVERABLE. In the event that any provision in this Agreement will
     be held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from,
     and such invalidity or unenforceability will not be construed to have any
     effect on, the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
Effective Date.

                            NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

                            By:/s/ Paul Ricci
                               -------------------------------------------------
                               Paul A. Ricci, CEO and Chairman of the Board

     The Grantee hereby accepts and agrees to be bound by all of the terms and
conditions of this Agreement and the Plan.

                               /s/ Donald Hunt
                               -------------------------------------------------
                               Grantee- Donald Hunt

<PAGE>

                                     EXHIBIT

Exhibit A       Trade-for-Taxes

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

TO:      Grantee

FROM:    Deborah E. Sheehan, Global Equity Manager

RE:      Payment of Withholding Taxes Applicable to Restricted Stock Awards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As you know, Nuance Communications, Inc. ("Company") granted you an award of
Company restricted stock (the "Award"). In connection with the Award, you will
have taxable income at the time the Award vests.

Under applicable law, withholding taxes are due and payable at the time the
Award vests. Before Company delivers to you any shares under the Award, Company
must withhold applicable federal, state, and local taxes (the "Withholding
Tax"). The current federal supplemental wage withholding rate is twenty-five
percent (25%). In addition to the federal supplemental wage withholding rate,
withholding for state and local taxes may also be required, the rate of which
will vary depending on where you live.

In connection with your Award, you agreed to make appropriate arrangements
regarding the Withholding Tax applicable to your Award.

Company is offering you the opportunity to elect one of two methods to satisfy
your Withholding Tax. Select one of the two methods of payment described below:

___________    PAYMENT BY CHECK. Our stock administration department will
               contact you via e-mail with the amount of the Withholding Tax due
               and payable. Please make your check payable to Nuance
               Communications, Inc. and mail it to Nuance Communications, Inc.,
               Attention: Deborah E. Sheehan, One Wayside Road, Burlington, MA
               01803. You are required to satisfy your Withholding Tax
               obligations by tendering to Company the amount of the Withholding
               Tax due and payable the day after Company notifies you of the
               amount.

__________     RETENTION OF SHARES BY THE COMPANY. Company will retain the
               number of shares equal to the amount of minimum withholding due
               and payable. Fractional shares will not be retained to satisfy
               any portion of the withholding tax. Accordingly, you agree that
               in the event that the amount of withholding you owe would result
               in a fraction of a share being owed, that amount will be
               satisfied by withholding the fractional amount from your
               paycheck. If such amount is required to be withheld, you
               expressly acknowledge that by checking this box you are giving
               the Company permission to withhold from your paycheck an amount
               equal to the remaining withholding tax due and payable.

<PAGE>

Please elect the method of payment that you wish to satisfy your Withholding Tax
from the two choices above, sign and date the form, and return it to the Deborah
E. Sheehan at Nuance Communications, Inc.. You may either mail this election
form to: Nuance Communications, Inc., Attention: Deborah E. Sheehan, One Wayside
Road, Burlington, MA 01803 or fax it to 781-565-5553, attn: Deborah E.
Sheehan/Withholding Election.

By signing below, I understand (1) that Company will withhold an amount required
by applicable law to satisfy the minimum Withholding Tax applicable to my Award,
and (2) agree to have such Withholding Tax obligation satisfied by the method I
checked above.

                                                                      , 2007
----------------------------------              ----------------  ----
Grantee: Donald Hunt                            Date

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