How to Get a Word Document to Read Out Loud: A Step-by-Step Guide

Listening to a document read out loud can be a useful tool for proofreading, multitasking, or simply for convenience. Microsoft Word has a built-in feature that allows you to have your document read aloud to you. In just a few simple steps, you can have Word’s ‘Read Aloud’ function up and running, making your life a little bit easier.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Get a Word Document to Read Out Loud

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re going to achieve. We’ll be using Microsoft Word’s ‘Read Aloud’ feature, which is a text-to-speech tool that reads your document out loud. It’s perfect for those times when you’re tired of staring at the screen or need to multitask.

Step 1: Open Your Word Document

Open the Word document you want to be read out loud.

Opening your document is the first step. Make sure it’s the correct file and that you’re ready to listen.

Step 2: Find the ‘Review’ Tab

Click on the ‘Review’ tab in the Word toolbar.

The ‘Review’ tab is where you’ll find many tools to help you edit your document. ‘Read Aloud’ is one of them.

Step 3: Click on ‘Read Aloud’

In the ‘Review’ tab, you will see the ‘Read Aloud’ button. Click on it to get started.

Once you click ‘Read Aloud,’ Word will start reading the text from the beginning of the document or from where your cursor is placed.

Step 4: Control the Reading

Use the controls that appear to pause, skip forward, or change the reading speed.

You can control the narration just like you would with any audio player, giving you the flexibility to listen at your own pace.

After you complete these steps, your document will be read to you out loud. You can sit back, relax, and listen, or continue working on other tasks as you listen.

Tips: Enhancing Your Experience with Word Document Read Aloud

• Use headphones for better sound quality and to avoid disturbing others.
• Adjust the reading speed to find a pace that is comfortable for you.
• Use the Read Aloud feature to help you identify mistakes in your writing that you might not catch while reading silently.
• If you find the default voice monotonous, explore different text-to-speech voices in your computer’s settings.
• Remember to save your document before using ‘Read Aloud,’ especially if you plan to make changes as you listen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the voice that reads the document out loud?

Yes, you can change the voice in your computer’s text-to-speech settings.

Does ‘Read Aloud’ work in all versions of Word?

‘Read Aloud’ is available in Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word Online, among others.

Can I use ‘Read Aloud’ on a Mac?

Yes, ‘Read Aloud’ is available on Word for Mac as part of Microsoft 365 subscription or Office 2019 for Mac.

Can ‘Read Aloud’ read in languages other than English?

Yes, as long as you have the appropriate text-to-speech language pack installed on your device.

Can I use ‘Read Aloud’ on a mobile device?

Yes, the Word app for mobile devices supports the ‘Read Aloud’ feature.

Summary

1. Open your Word document.
2. Click on the ‘Review’ tab.
3. Select ‘Read Aloud’.
4. Use the controls to manage the reading.

Conclusion

Having your Word document read out loud to you is a great way to multitask, proofread, or simply give your eyes a rest. The ‘Read Aloud’ feature is a valuable tool in Word that can enhance your productivity and help you catch errors that might have gone unnoticed. It’s easy to use and can be customized to fit your needs. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone who just wants to consume written content in a different way, ‘Read Aloud’ is a feature worth exploring. So next time you’re working on a Word document, don’t forget to give your eyes a break and let Word do the reading for you.