Getting Microsoft Word to read to you is a game changer, especially if you’re someone who prefers listening over reading. This feature can help catch errors, improve understanding, or just save your eyes after a long day of staring at screens. You can get Word to read to you by enabling the "Read Aloud" feature. This simple process involves selecting the text you want narrated, clicking on the "Review" tab, and choosing "Read Aloud." Once you start, the text will be read to you, allowing you to sit back and listen.
How to Get Word to Read to You
With a few clicks, Microsoft Word can transform into your personal narrator, making document review and proofreading easier than ever. Let’s walk through this process, ensuring you can make your document speak to you.
Step 1: Open Your Document
First, open the document in Microsoft Word that you want to be read aloud.
This might seem obvious, but starting with the document you need is an essential first step. Make sure it’s the correct version and that it contains the text you want to be read aloud.
Step 2: Highlight the Text
Select the text that you want Word to read to you.
Highlighting allows the software to know exactly what part of the document it should focus on. If you want the entire document read, you can skip the highlighting.
Step 3: Go to the ‘Review’ Tab
Click on the ‘Review’ tab located on the top menu bar in Word.
The ‘Review’ tab is home to many useful features, including language tools and reading options. It’s your gateway to enabling the text-to-speech function.
Step 4: Click ‘Read Aloud’
Find and click the ‘Read Aloud’ button in the ‘Review’ tab.
Once you hit ‘Read Aloud,’ Word will start narrating the selected text. You can pause, play, or stop the reading anytime you wish.
Step 5: Adjust Playback Settings
Use the toolbar that appears to adjust the reading speed and voice.
You’ll notice a small toolbar that lets you control the reading. You can slow down or speed up the speech, choose different voices, and even skip forward or backward in the text.
After completing these steps, Word will begin to read the selected text out loud to you. You can listen at your own pace, adjusting settings as needed for a comfortable listening experience.
Control Read Aloud with keyboard shortcuts
In Word for Windows, you can run Read Aloud without the mouse. If no text is selected, Word starts reading from the cursor position.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Start or stop Read Aloud | Ctrl+Alt+Space |
| Pause or resume | Ctrl+Space |
| Go back one paragraph | Ctrl+Left arrow |
| Skip ahead one paragraph | Ctrl+Right arrow |
| Slow down | Alt+Left arrow |
| Speed up | Alt+Right arrow |
For a distraction-free view while you listen, select View > Immersive Reader and then the play button at the bottom of the screen. Word for the web also offers Review > Read Aloud and Immersive Reader, so you can use the feature in a browser.
Change the reading voice and speed
- Start Review > Read Aloud so the playback controls appear in the top-right corner of the document.
- Select the Settings (gear) icon in those controls.
- Drag the Reading speed slider left to slow the voice down or right to speed it up.
- Open Voice Selection and choose a different voice.
The new settings apply the next time you press play. Select the X in the controls to stop Read Aloud and close them.
Use Speak for just the selected text
Word for Windows also has an older Speak command that reads only the text you select and then stops. It is not on the ribbon by default, so add it to the Quick Access Toolbar:
- Select File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar.
- Under Choose commands from, pick All Commands.
- Select Speak, select Add, and then select OK.
Highlight a word or passage and select the Speak button to hear it. Select the button again to stop.
Tips for Getting Word to Read to You
- Customize the voice in Word’s settings to find a tone and pace that works best for you.
- Use this feature for proofreading; you’re more likely to catch mistakes when you hear them.
- Adjust the playback speed to match your listening preference—slower speeds for complex documents, faster for simpler ones.
- Use headphones for a more immersive listening experience, especially in public spaces or shared environments.
- Explore other accessibility features in Word, which can complement the Read Aloud feature.
To go the other way and turn spoken audio into text, see how to transcribe audio in Word.
Going the other way, you can also use voice typing in Word and have your speech typed into the document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Read Aloud feature work on all versions of Word?
The Read Aloud feature is available in most modern versions of Word, especially those in Office 365 and later iterations. Older versions might not support this feature.
Can I use Read Aloud on Mac?
Yes, the Read Aloud feature is available on both Windows and Mac versions of Word.
How do I change the voice in Read Aloud?
You can change the voice by clicking on the voice settings in the toolbar that appears when you start the Read Aloud feature. Different voices and accents are available.
Can I read foreign language texts with Read Aloud?
Yes, Word can read texts in various languages, but the accuracy might depend on installed language packs.
Is Read Aloud available on mobile versions of Word?
Yes. In Word for iPhone and iPad, open the Review tab and tap Read Aloud. In Word for Android, open the document and look for Read Aloud in the app’s menu. Keep the app updated, since menu locations can change between versions.
Summary
- Open your document.
- Highlight the text.
- Go to the ‘Review’ tab.
- Click ‘Read Aloud.’
- Adjust playback settings.
Conclusion
The Read Aloud feature in Microsoft Word is an invaluable tool for those who thrive on auditory learning or simply need a break from reading. It’s like having your very own narrator who doesn’t mind reading your work over and over again. Whether you’re revising a report, enjoying a story, or just taking notes, hearing the words can offer a fresh perspective and often help catch errors that your eyes might gloss over.
If you haven’t yet, give this feature a try. It could transform how you interact with documents, making them more accessible and enjoyable. Also, consider exploring other accessibility features within Word—there’s a whole toolbox waiting to enhance your experience. For further exploration, consult Microsoft’s support resources, which offer guidance on maximizing this nifty feature. So, next time you open Word, remember: it’s not just a document; it’s a story waiting to be told.
Matt has been writing about Microsoft Windows and other Microsoft products since the days of Windows XP. He spends much of his time writing for sites like WindowBrain.com