How to Translate Text Into Speech

Listen to the text you're typing.

A text-to-speech application is a program that converts or translates text into voice. This is useful when you want to hear how certain words sound in an actual voice. There are numerous programs that allow you to convert text into speech. However, Windows comes with its own text-to-speech program. You can use the Ease of Access Center to locate Windows' text to speech utility.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button or Windows orb and click "Control Panel." Click "Ease of Access" and then click "Ease of Access Center." You can also access the Ease of Access Center by holding the "Windows" logo key and pressing "U." The Ease of Access Center contains tools that will help use your computer with more convenience.

2. Click "Use Computer Without Display" under "Explore Settings."

3. Click the "Set Up Text to Speech" link under "Hear Text Aloud." This will open the "Speech Properties" dialog box.

4. Click the "Text to Speech" tab from the top of the window. Under "Voice Selection," click the type of voice you want to hear speak the text you type.

5. Type the text you want to hear under "Use the Following Text to Preview the Voice." Click "Preview Voice" to hear the text aloud.

6. Move the slider under "Voice Speed" to the left decrease the voice speed and to right to increase it.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also open the "Speech Properties" dialog box through the "Start" menu. To do this, click the "Start" button, type "Text to Speech" in the search box, and click "Change Text to Speech Settings."

References

• Dummies.com; Modify Windows' Text to Speech Settings; Greg Harvey