How to Get Microsoft Word to Read to You?

Last Updated: Feb 2, 2024 by

Microsoft Word is a powerful tool that is used by millions of people around the world for various purposes. While most people use it for writing and editing documents, there are many other features that can make your work easier and more efficient. One such feature is the text-to-speech function, which allows you to have your document read aloud to you. In this article, we will discuss how to get Microsoft Word to read to you and how this feature can benefit you.

Enabling the Text-to-Speech Function

Before you can use the text-to-speech function in Microsoft Word, you need to make sure it is enabled. To do this, follow these simple steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Word and click on the “File” tab in the top left corner.
  2. Select “Options” from the menu on the left side.
  3. In the Word Options window, click on “Ease of Access” in the left menu.
  4. Scroll down to the “Speak” section and check the box next to “Read aloud selected text”.
  5. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Using the Text-to-Speech Function

Now that the text-to-speech function is enabled, you can use it to have your document read aloud to you. Here’s how:

  1. Highlight the text you want to be read aloud.
  2. Right-click on the selected text and choose “Speak” from the menu.
  3. The text will now be read aloud to you.

You can also use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Alt + Space” to start and stop the text-to-speech function.

Customizing the Text-to-Speech Function

Microsoft Word allows you to customize the text-to-speech function to suit your preferences. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Word Options window by clicking on the “File” tab and selecting “Options”.
  2. Click on “Ease of Access” in the left menu.
  3. Scroll down to the “Speak” section and click on “Settings”.
  4. In the Speech Settings window, you can choose the voice, speed, and volume of the text-to-speech function.
  5. You can also choose to have the text highlighted as it is being read aloud.
  6. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Benefits of Using the Text-to-Speech Function

The text-to-speech function in Microsoft Word can be a useful tool for many people. Here are some of the benefits of using this feature:

  • It can help you catch errors and mistakes in your document that you may have missed while reading silently.
  • It can improve your reading comprehension by allowing you to hear the text as you read it.
  • It can be a helpful tool for people with visual impairments or learning disabilities.
  • It can save you time by allowing you to multitask while your document is being read aloud.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the text-to-speech function in Microsoft Word can be a valuable tool for anyone who uses this software. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily enable and use this feature to make your work more efficient and effective. Have you used the text-to-speech function in Microsoft Word before? Let us know in the comments.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.