How to Change the Voice in Microsoft Word for Read Aloud Feature

Changing the voice in Microsoft Word when reading aloud is a simple task. All you need to do is access the “Read Aloud” feature in the “Review” tab, select the “Settings” icon, and choose the voice and reading speed that you prefer. This way, you can personalize your reading experience in just a few clicks.

Step by Step Tutorial: Changing the Voice in Microsoft Word When Reading Aloud

Before you start, make sure you have the latest version of Microsoft Word, as older versions may not have this feature. This tutorial will guide you through changing the voice that reads the text aloud to you in Microsoft Word.

Step 1: Open the ‘Review’ tab in Microsoft Word

Click on the ‘Review’ tab at the top of your Microsoft Word document.
The ‘Review’ tab is where you’ll find tools to proofread and analyze your document. The ‘Read Aloud’ feature is a part of these tools.

Step 2: Click on ‘Read Aloud’

Select the ‘Read Aloud’ button to start the feature.
Once you click ‘Read Aloud,’ Microsoft Word will begin to read the text in your document out loud. You can pause and resume the reading at any time.

Step 3: Access ‘Settings’

Click on the ‘Settings’ icon in the ‘Read Aloud’ toolbar.
The ‘Settings’ icon usually looks like a gear or a cog. Clicking on it will open a menu where you can adjust various options for the ‘Read Aloud’ feature.

Step 4: Choose a new voice

Select a voice from the list of available options.
Microsoft Word provides a range of voices to choose from, so pick one that you like. Some voices may sound more robotic, while others can be quite natural.

Step 5: Adjust the reading speed

Use the slider to set the desired reading speed.
If you find the default reading speed too fast or too slow, you can adjust it to better suit your preferences.

After completing these steps, the new voice and reading speed settings will be applied to the ‘Read Aloud’ feature. Now, when you use ‘Read Aloud,’ the text in your Microsoft Word document will be read in the voice and at the speed you selected.

Tips: Enhancing Your Experience with Read Aloud in Microsoft Word

• Experiment with different voices to find the one that suits you best. Some may be more pleasant to listen to than others.
• Use the reading speed slider to find a comfortable pace that allows you to follow along easily.
• If you’re using Read Aloud for proofreading, try a slower speed so you can catch errors more effectively.
• Remember that voice quality may vary depending on your operating system and the version of Microsoft Word you’re using.
• Take advantage of the pause and resume controls to stop the reading whenever you need to focus on a particular section of your text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Read Aloud with languages other than English?

Yes, Read Aloud supports multiple languages, but the availability of voices may vary.

Is the Read Aloud feature available in all versions of Microsoft Word?

No, Read Aloud is available in Microsoft Word 2019, Word 2016, and Microsoft 365. It may not be present in older versions.

Can I use Read Aloud on a Mac?

Yes, Read Aloud is available on both Windows and Mac versions of Microsoft Word.

Is there a limit to how much text Read Aloud can read at once?

There’s no specific limit, but for longer documents, it’s best to use Read Aloud in sections for better performance.

Can I save the audio from Read Aloud?

No, Read Aloud is intended for real-time use and doesn’t have a feature to save the audio.

Summary

1. Open the ‘Review’ tab.
2. Click on ‘Read Aloud’.
3. Access ‘Settings’.
4. Choose a new voice.
5. Adjust the reading speed.

Conclusion

Changing the voice in Microsoft Word when reading aloud is a fantastic way to customize how you interact with your documents. Whether you’re proofreading, learning a new language, or simply want to give your eyes a rest, the Read Aloud feature can accommodate your needs. With a range of voices and adjustable reading speeds, Microsoft Word offers a personalized reading experience that can enhance your productivity and comprehension.

So go ahead, give it a try, and find the voice that brings your documents to life. Remember, the key to making the most of this feature is to explore different settings and find what works best for you. Happy listening!