Word Mac is a popular word processing program that offers many features and functionalities. One useful feature is the Read Aloud function, which allows the user to have their document read back to them. However, the default voice for Read Aloud may not be to everyone’s liking. If you find yourself wanting to change the Read Aloud voice on Word Mac, this blog post is for you. We will explore different methods to customize the voice to suit your preferences and needs.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To change the Read Aloud voice on Word Mac, you will need the following:
1. A Mac computer with Word installed
2. An active internet connection
3. Basic knowledge of using Word on Mac
4. Patience and perseverance
What Requires Your Focus?
Changing the Read Aloud voice on Word Mac may require your focus on the following aspects:
1. Exploring the available voice options and selecting the one that suits your preferences and needs.
2. Adjusting the settings in Word to ensure the selected voice is used for Read Aloud.
3. Testing the Read Aloud function to ensure the new voice is working as expected.
Method 1. How to Change Read Aloud Voice on Word Mac Using System Preferences
By changing the system voice preferences on your Mac, you can also change the Read Aloud voice in Word Mac. Here are the steps to do so:
Step 1: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."
Step 2: In the System Preferences window, click on the "Accessibility" icon.
Step 3: In the Accessibility sidebar, click on the "Speech" option.
Step 4: Click on the "System Voice" dropdown menu and select the desired voice for Read Aloud in Word.
Step 5: Close the System Preferences window.
Pros | Cons
1. Offers a wide range of voices to choose from. | Limited customization options specific to Word Read Aloud.
2. Changes the voice system-wide, affecting other applications as well. | Requires navigating through system preferences, which may be unfamiliar to some users.
3. Easy to implement and change whenever desired. | Limited ability to fine-tune voice settings for Read Aloud.
Method 2. How to Change Read Aloud Voice on Word Mac Via Word Options
Word Mac also provides the option to change the Read Aloud voice within its own settings. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open Word on your Mac.
Step 2: Click on the "Word" menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select "Preferences."
Step 3: In the Preferences window, click on the "View" icon.
Step 4: Under the "Personalize" section, locate the "Text to Speech" option and click on it.
Step 5: In the Text to Speech settings, click on the voice dropdown menu and select the desired voice for Read Aloud.
Step 6: Close the Preferences window.
Pros | Cons
1. Provides an easy and direct method to change the Read Aloud voice in Word. | Limited voice options compared to system-wide settings.
2. Allows customization specific to Word Read Aloud. | May require additional steps if changing the voice system-wide as well.
3. Can be easily reverted back to default settings if needed. |
Method 3. How to Change Read Aloud Voice on Word Mac Using Third-Party Apps
If the default options in Word or system preferences don’t meet your requirements, you can explore third-party apps that offer more voice options and customization. Here’s an example of using one such app, "Speech Central":
Step 1: Download and install "Speech Central" from the Mac App Store.
Step 2: Open "Speech Central" on your Mac.
Step 3: Copy the text you want to have read aloud in Word.
Step 4: Paste the text into "Speech Central" and select the desired voice for Read Aloud.
Step 5: Play the text in "Speech Central" to listen to the selected voice.
Step 6: Use Word alongside "Speech Central" to follow along with the Read Aloud.
Pros | Cons
1. Offers a wide variety of voice options beyond the default system and Word settings. | May require a separate app installation and learning curve.
2. Provides additional customization options for voice speed, pitch, etc. | Potential cost associated with third-party apps.
3. Can be used across multiple applications, not limited to Word. | Requires switching between Word and the third-party app.
Method 4. How to Change Read Aloud Voice on Word Mac Using Online Text-to-Speech Websites
If you prefer not to install any additional apps on your Mac, you can utilize online text-to-speech websites to convert your text into audio with your desired voice. Here’s how to do it using "Google Text-to-Speech":
Step 1: Open a web browser on your Mac.
Step 2: Go to the "Google Text-to-Speech" website (https://cloud.google.com/text-to-speech).
Step 3: Paste the text you want to have read aloud into the text box provided.
Step 4: Select the desired voice from the available options.
Step 5: Click on the “Listen” button to generate the audio.
Step 6: Use Word alongside the online text-to-speech website to follow along with the Read Aloud.
Pros | Cons
1. No app installation required. | Requires an internet connection for access to the online text-to-speech website.
2. Provides a wide range of voices to choose from. | Relies on a third-party website, potentially impacting privacy.
3. Can be used across multiple applications, not limited to Word. | Requires switching between Word and the web browser.
Why Can’t I Change the Read Aloud Voice on Word Mac?
There may be several reasons why you are unable to change the Read Aloud voice on Word Mac. Here are a few common issues and their possible fixes:
1. Restricted System Permissions: If you don’t have the necessary permissions on your Mac, you may not be able to change the voice. To resolve this, ensure that you have administrative privileges or contact your system administrator for assistance.
2. Outdated Version of Word: Older versions of Word may not include the option to change the Read Aloud voice. Check if there are any updates available for Word and install them to access the latest features.
3. Limited Voice Options: The default voices provided by the system or Word may not meet your requirements. Consider exploring third-party apps or online text-to-speech websites, as mentioned in the previous methods, to access a wider range of voice options.
Implications and Recommendations
Changing the Read Aloud voice on Word Mac can have various implications and benefits. Here are a few recommendations to enhance your experience:
1. Experiment with Different Voices: Take the time to explore different voices and find the one that is most comfortable and enjoyable for you. Consider factors such as accent, tone, and clarity.
2. Adjust Voice Settings: If available, customize voice settings such as speed and pitch to further personalize your listening experience. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal combination.
3. Utilize Voice Commands: Some voice options may offer additional features such as voice commands for navigation or editing. Familiarize yourself with these commands to enhance your productivity while using Read Aloud.
5 FAQs about Changing Read Aloud Voice on Word Mac
Q1: Can I use different voices for different sections of my Word document?
A: No, the Read Aloud voice in Word remains consistent throughout the entire document. If you require different voices for different sections, consider separating those sections into individual files or exploring alternative methods mentioned in this blog post.
Q2: Do third-party apps or online text-to-speech websites work offline?
A: It depends on the specific app or website. Some apps may offer offline functionality, allowing you to use different voices without an internet connection. However, most online text-to-speech websites require an active internet connection to generate the audio.
Q3: Can I change the voice during the Read Aloud playback in Word?
A: No, the voice selection in Word applies to the entire Read Aloud playback. To change the voice, you would need to stop the playback and make the necessary changes in the Word or system settings, as mentioned in the methods above.
Q4: Can I import custom voices into Word to use for Read Aloud?
A: Generally, Word utilizes the default voices provided by the system. However, some apps or operating systems may allow for the installation of additional voice packs or support for custom voices. Check the documentation or support resources for your specific operating system or text-to-speech app.
Q5: Does changing the Read Aloud voice affect other audio playback on my Mac?
A: No, changing the Read Aloud voice within Word only affects the audio playback within Word. Other audio playback options on your Mac, such as media players or video conferencing apps, will use the default system voice or the voice selected in their respective settings.
Final Words
Changing the Read Aloud voice on Word Mac can enhance your reading and editing experience. Whether you prefer a different accent or want to personalize the voice to suit your needs, the methods mentioned in this blog post provide various options to customize the Read Aloud voice. Experiment with different voices, explore third-party apps, or utilize online text-to-speech websites to find the voice that resonates with you. Enjoy the convenience and accessibility of having your Word documents read back to you with your preferred voice.