how to do text to speech on Word
Using text to speech on Word is pretty straightforward and can save you a lot of time. Essentially, you just need to enable the feature, select the text you want to hear, and let Word do the magic. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have Word reading your documents out loud in no time.
How to Do Text to Speech on Word
This section will walk you through the steps to enable and use the text to speech feature in Microsoft Word. By the end, you’ll be able to have any text in your document read out loud to you.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
First, open Microsoft Word on your computer. This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial to start from the right place.
Having Word open and ready will make the following steps easier to follow. You can open a new blank document or an existing one.
Step 2: Go to the "Quick Access Toolbar"
Once Word is open, navigate to the "Quick Access Toolbar" at the top of your screen. This is where you can customize your frequently used commands.
By default, this toolbar is located at the top left of the screen. It’s where you usually find commands like Save, Undo, and Redo.
Step 3: Customize the "Quick Access Toolbar"
Click the small down arrow on the "Quick Access Toolbar" to customize it. Then, choose "More Commands" from the dropdown menu.
This will open a new window where you can add or remove commands to your toolbar. You’ll be able to find the necessary text to speech commands here.
Step 4: Add "Speak" to the Toolbar
In the new window, select "All Commands" from the dropdown menu. Scroll down to find "Speak" and click on it. After that, click "Add" to include it in your Quick Access Toolbar.
This step is crucial because the "Speak" command is not included by default. Adding it to your toolbar makes it easily accessible whenever you need it.
Step 5: Select the Text You Want to Hear
Highlight the text you want the computer to read out loud. Then, click the "Speak" icon in the Quick Access Toolbar.
After clicking the "Speak" icon, Word will start reading the highlighted text aloud. Make sure your speakers or headphones are on to hear it.
After completing these steps, your selected text will be read out loud by Word. You can use this feature to listen to your text for proofreading or multitasking.
Tips for Using Text to Speech on Word
- Check your speakers: Ensure your speakers or headphones are working properly before starting.
- Use for proofreading: Listening to your text can help catch errors you might miss when reading.
- Highlight sections: You don’t have to listen to the entire document; just highlight the parts you need.
- Adjust the speed: Some versions allow you to adjust the reading speed in Word’s settings.
- Use in different languages: You can change the language settings to make Word read text in other languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pause the text to speech?
To pause the text to speech, simply click the "Speak" icon again. This will stop the reading so you can continue later.
Can I change the voice of the text to speech?
Yes, you can change the voice settings in your computer’s control panel or system preferences, depending on your operating system.
Does this feature work on older versions of Word?
The text to speech feature is available in most recent versions of Word, but may not be available in very old versions.
Can I use text to speech for proofreading?
Absolutely! Using text to speech for proofreading can help you catch errors that you might miss when you read silently.
Is the text to speech feature available on Word for Mac?
Yes, the text to speech feature is available on Word for Mac, though the steps to enable it might be slightly different.
Summary of Steps
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Go to the "Quick Access Toolbar."
- Customize the "Quick Access Toolbar."
- Add "Speak" to the Toolbar.
- Select the text you want to hear.
Conclusion
There you have it! Now you know how to do text to speech on Word. This handy feature can save you time and make your life a bit easier, especially if you’re someone who prefers listening over reading. Plus, it’s a great way to catch those pesky typos and errors that are easy to miss. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how it works for you. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out more of our articles on mastering Microsoft Word features. Happy typing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.