Adding text-to-speech to PowerPoint presentations is a nifty feature that allows your slides to be more accessible and engaging. Simply go to the ‘Insert’ tab, select ‘Audio’ and then ‘Text-to-Speech’ to add a spoken version of your text. You can choose from different voices and adjust the speed to suit your needs.
Once you’ve added text-to-speech to your PowerPoint, your slides will now have an audio feature that reads the text aloud to your audience. This is especially useful for those who may have difficulty reading or for presentations that will be viewed without a presenter.
Introduction
Talking about presentations, have you ever thought of making your PowerPoint slides talk? Literally! In this digitized era, accessibility is key, and one way to enhance your PowerPoint presentations is by adding text-to-speech (TTS). TTS is an assistive technology that reads digital text aloud, and it’s a game-changer for creating inclusive content. It’s beneficial for individuals with visual impairments, reading difficulties, or those who prefer auditory learning. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to give your presentation a voice when you can’t be there in person.
But why is this important? Well, think about it. We live in a world where content is consumed in various ways. By adding TTS to your PowerPoint presentations, you’re making sure that your content is accessible to a wider audience. This feature is not just for those with disabilities; it’s for everyone. It’s for the multitasker who listens to your presentation while doing something else, or the non-native speaker who benefits from hearing the pronunciation of words. It’s for the educator who wants to provide different ways for students to engage with material, or the professional who wants to add a touch of innovation to their slides. So, let’s dive in and learn how to give your PowerPoint presentations their own voice!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Add Text-to-Speech in PowerPoint
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, understand that by following these steps, you’ll be able to add audio to your PowerPoint slides that will read the text you select. This will not only make your slides more dynamic but also more inclusive.
Step 1: Open PowerPoint and select the slide
Open your PowerPoint presentation and click on the slide where you want to add text-to-speech.
Choosing the right slide is crucial because the TTS audio will be associated with that particular slide. If you have a lot of text, consider breaking it up across multiple slides to make it easier for your audience to follow along.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Insert’ tab
Navigate to the ‘Insert’ tab on the PowerPoint ribbon, which is at the top of the screen.
The ‘Insert’ tab is where the magic happens. It’s where you can add all sorts of elements to your slides, from images to videos, and yes, TTS audio.
Step 3: Select ‘Audio’ then ‘Text-to-Speech’
Click on ‘Audio’ in the media section of the tab, and then choose ‘Text-to-Speech’ from the dropdown menu.
By selecting ‘Text-to-Speech,’ you’re telling PowerPoint that you want to convert your selected text into spoken words. It’s pretty cool!
Step 4: Highlight the text you want to read aloud
Once the TTS window opens, highlight the text on the slide that you want to convert to speech.
Be selective with the text you choose. Remember, you want your TTS to complement your presentation, not dominate it.
Step 5: Choose the voice and speed
In the TTS window, select the voice and speed you want for the audio. You can preview it to make sure it sounds just right.
This is where you can personalize the TTS feature to match the tone and pace of your presentation. Play around with the different options to find the perfect fit.
Step 6: Insert the audio
After you’re satisfied with the TTS, click ‘Insert’ and the audio will be added to your slide.
Voilà ! You’ve now added a voice to your PowerPoint slide. You can move the audio icon around and hide it behind images or off the slide if you prefer a cleaner look.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Adding text-to-speech to your PowerPoint makes your content more accessible to individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties. |
| Engagement | TTS can make your slides more engaging by providing auditory stimulation alongside visual content. |
| Convenience | With text-to-speech, your PowerPoint can be understood even without a presenter, making it convenient for asynchronous viewing. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Robot-like Voice | Some TTS voices may sound robotic and unnatural, which could distract listeners. |
| Text Limitation | There may be a limit to the amount of text that can be converted at once, requiring you to break up longer sections. |
| Mispronunciation | TTS features may mispronounce words, especially those that are industry-specific or not in the standard dictionary. |
Additional Information
When it comes to adding text-to-speech in PowerPoint, there are a few additional tips and insights that can enhance your experience. First off, not all versions of PowerPoint have the TTS feature built-in. If you’re using an older version, you might need to upgrade or find a third-party TTS plugin. Also, consider the language and clarity of your text. Since TTS reads exactly what’s written, ensure your text is clear, concise, and free of jargon that might confuse the TTS software.
Furthermore, practice good design principles when using TTS. Since the audio will draw attention to the text, make sure it’s easy to read and visually appealing. Use bullet points, short sentences, and avoid cluttering the slide with too much information. Remember, the goal is to enhance your presentation, not overwhelm your audience.
Lastly, always test your TTS before presenting. This will help you catch any errors, adjust the volume, and ensure the pacing is right. Consider the environment where your presentation will be viewed. Will there be noise interference? Will the audience have headphones? All these factors can affect how well your TTS is received. By paying attention to these details, you ensure that your message is heard loud and clear.
Summary
- Open PowerPoint and select the slide.
- Go to the ‘Insert’ tab.
- Select ‘Audio’ then ‘Text-to-Speech’.
- Highlight the text for TTS.
- Choose the voice and speed.
- Insert the audio into your slide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize the voice in text-to-speech?
Yes, you can choose from different voices provided by PowerPoint to find one that suits your presentation.
What if my PowerPoint version doesn’t have text-to-speech?
You may need to upgrade to a newer version or find a third-party TTS plugin compatible with PowerPoint.
Can I adjust the speed of the text-to-speech?
Absolutely, you have control over how fast or slow the TTS reads your text.
Will text-to-speech work with any text on my slide?
TTS will read any text that you highlight and choose to convert. However, keep in mind any limitations in text length.
Is there a way to test the text-to-speech before presenting?
Yes, you can preview the TTS in PowerPoint and make adjustments as needed before finalizing your presentation.
Conclusion
PowerPoint has come a long way, and with the text-to-speech feature, it’s making strides in accessibility and versatility. Whether you’re an educator, professional, or just someone who loves to create dynamic presentations, adding TTS is a step towards making your content more inclusive and engaging.
Remember, the goal is to communicate effectively, and by giving your slides a voice, you’re ensuring that your message is not just seen but also heard. So, go ahead, explore this feature, and let your PowerPoint presentations speak for themselves!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.