The text to speech method on a computer allows users to select any amount of text and convert it to speech, allowing you to make your Mac read text aloud.
This can be a useful procedure for those who need to rest their eyes from the computer screen or for those who want to multitask.
You will need to configure a set of keys, this is also known as a hotkey or shortcut. The combination key is a set of keystrokes to start or end the text-to-speech function.
How to Make Mac Read Text?
- Open System Preferences.
- Click on “Voice”.
- Then click on the “Text to Speech” tab.
- Place a check mark next to “Speak selected text when key is pressed.”
- Press the “Configure Key” button and a sheet will slide down from the top of the window.
- Choose the desired key combination.
- After pressing the “Configure key” button.
- You will now choose a key combination that will launch the Text to Speech feature in the future.
- Make sure to choose a combination that is not yet designated for a shortcut on your Mac.
- You can use the Command, Shift, and R keys or the Command, Option, and Control keys.
- Click the “OK” button to complete the procedure and save your combination key.
- Adjust the volume on your computer.
- Make sure the volume on your Mac is turned on or set high enough to hear the Text-to-Speech method.
- Choose the text you want your Mac to read to you.
- You can choose any text on your computer screen regardless of its origin, such as a website or a document on your hard drive.
- Your Mac will read the entire document by default.
- You can highlight the text you want to speak with the cursor.
- Run the text-to-speech method.
- Using the key combination you just created.
- Get your Mac to read to you.
- You can stop the Text to Speech method at any time by executing the same combination key.
Mac Text-to-Speech Personalization
- Choose your Mac voice.
- You can select from a variety of different computer voices.
- Including male or female.
- Choose your preferred voice by returning to System Preferences.
- Click on “Voice”.
- Then click on the “Text to Speech” tab.
- Click the Voice System drop-down menu to select a different voice.
- Choose a different rate of speech.
- You can alter your Mac’s voice so that your voice is slower or faster than the default voice.
- Open System Preferences.
- Click on “Speech”, then click on the “Text to Speech” tab.
- Move the slider next to Speaking Rate to select the desired rate.
- You can press Play to hear the rhythm before selecting it.
- Use the Text to Speech menu bar when using Apple applications.
- If you are using applications like Safari, TextEdit, or Pages, you can launch Text to Speech from the menu bar.
- Select the text you want to read and go to Services, Voice, then start speaking text.
- To stop your Mac from reading, go to Services, Speech, and then Stop Speaking.
