Reading aloud in MS Word is a handy feature that can help you proofread your work or assist those with visual impairments. It’s simple when you know where to look and what to click. Ready to learn how? Let’s dive in!
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Read Aloud in MS Word
Before jumping into the steps, let’s understand what we’re about to do. Reading aloud in MS Word uses the built-in text-to-speech feature to read the text in your document out loud. It’s like having a virtual assistant that can read your document back to you.
Step 1: Open Your MS Word Document
Open the document you want to read aloud.
Once your document is open, make sure you’re at the spot where you want the reading to start. You can select specific text or start from the cursor’s current position.
Step 2: Find the ‘Read Aloud’ Feature
Go to the ‘Review’ tab and find the ‘Read Aloud’ button.
The ‘Review’ tab is in the top menu of MS Word. The ‘Read Aloud’ button is usually in the ‘Speech’ group of options.
Step 3: Click the ‘Read Aloud’ Button
Click the ‘Read Aloud’ button to start the feature.
After clicking the button, a toolbar will appear with controls to play, pause, skip forward, or rewind the reading. A voice will begin reading the text out loud.
Step 4: Control the Reading
Use the toolbar controls to manage the reading.
You can adjust the reading speed or change the voice in the settings. Pause or stop the reading at any point if you need to.
After completing these steps, your MS Word document will be read aloud to you. You can listen to your work, catch mistakes, or just sit back and take in the information without staring at the screen.
Tips for Using Read Aloud in MS Word
- Customize the voice and reading speed according to your preference.
- Use headphones for a clearer understanding and to avoid disturbing others.
- If the default voice is not clear, consider downloading additional text-to-speech voices.
- Use ‘Read Aloud’ to help with language learning by following along in another language.
- Remember, ‘Read Aloud’ is a tool for convenience and not a replacement for human proofreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ‘Read Aloud’ on a Mac?
Yes, ‘Read Aloud’ is available on both Windows and Mac versions of MS Word.
Can I use ‘Read Aloud’ on all versions of MS Word?
‘Read Aloud’ is available on MS Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 365.
What languages are supported by ‘Read Aloud’?
‘Read Aloud’ supports various languages, but the availability depends on the text-to-speech voices installed on your computer.
Can I save the audio from ‘Read Aloud’?
No, ‘Read Aloud’ doesn’t have a feature to save the reading as an audio file.
Is ‘Read Aloud’ available on MS Word mobile apps?
‘Read Aloud’ may be limited on mobile apps, so it’s best to use the desktop version for this feature.
Summary of Steps
- Open your MS Word document.
- Find the ‘Read Aloud’ feature in the ‘Review’ tab.
- Click the ‘Read Aloud’ button.
- Control the reading with the toolbar.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know how to read aloud in MS Word! It’s a simple yet powerful feature that can transform the way you interact with text documents. Whether you’re proofreading, multitasking, or needing assistance due to visual impairments, this tool is a game-changer. Remember, the more you use it, the more you’ll discover how it can benefit your workflow.
Think about those times when you’ve been staring at a screen for hours, your eyes tired, and you wish someone could just read that long document for you. That’s where the ‘Read Aloud’ feature steps in, giving your eyes a break while keeping you productive. Plus, it’s an excellent way for writers and editors to catch errors that might be missed during silent reading.
But it’s not just for work. Students can use ‘Read Aloud’ to listen to lecture notes, making study time more efficient. Language learners can improve their pronunciation and listening skills. The possibilities are endless.
As you continue to use MS Word’s ‘Read Aloud’ feature, you’ll find that it becomes an indispensable part of your toolset. So, go ahead, give your eyes a rest, and let your ears do the work for a change. Happy listening!
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.