How to Run Text to Voice Windows Microsoft SAM

Use text to voice to read text entered into word editing programs.

Text-to-Voice, or Text-to-Speech, is a program utilized by the Windows operating system that takes text entered into word programs, and reads it out loud through your audio speakers. Text-to-Voice comes with several voices used to read text, including Microsoft Sam. Changing the active voice to use Microsoft Sam involves editing settings in the "Speech" portion of the control panel. Using Text-to-Voice is done by running the "Narrator" program found in the "Ease Of Access" folder.

Instructions

1. Click "Start", "Control Panel", and then "Speech". Click the "Text-to-Speech" tab and choose the "Audio Output" option. Choose either "Use Preferred Audio Output Device" or "Use This Audio Output Device" and choose a device from the list. Click "Preview Voice" to test your audio output device.

2. Click the "Voice Selection" drop down menu and choose "Microsoft Sam" from the list. Click "Preview Voice" to ensure the right selection was made. The voice volume can be adjusted by clicking the "Volume" setting in the "Audio Output" portion of the "Text-to-Speech" tab. Exit all the currently open windows.

3. Click "Start" then "Program Files". Locate and open the "Accessories" folder, then "Ease of Access". Click the "Narrator" program to open it. The narrator, Microsoft Sam, now reads any text entered into word editing software such as Microsoft Word and notepad.

Tips & Warnings

• Already have your text document open before activating the Narrator program. Sometimes the Narrator program immediately begins to read any text on the screen when it is activated.

References

• Microsoft: How to configure and use Text-To-Speech