Want to hear the text in your PowerPoint presentation read out loud without having to do so yourself? With the PowerPoint Speak feature, otherwise known as text-to-speech, you can. It’s easy to work with and has several uses.
How to Use PowerPoint Speak: Step-by-Step
PowerPoint Speak is available in PowerPoint 2010 and newer versions (including PowerPoint 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365). Here’s how to enable and use it:
- Open your PowerPoint presentation.
- Locate the Quick Access Toolbar: Find the small drop-down arrow in the top-left corner (next to the “Save,” “Undo,” and “Repeat” icons).
- Customize Toolbar: Click the arrow and select “More Commands.”
- Select Commands: Under “Choose commands from,” select “All Commands.”
- Find Speak Command: Scroll to the “S” section and select “Speak.”
- Add Speak to Toolbar: Click “Add,” then click “OK” to confirm.
- Use the Speak Function: Highlight the text you want read aloud and click the Speak icon in the Quick Access Toolbar.
Use Cases for PowerPoint Speak
PowerPoint Speak offers several beneficial applications:
1. For Accessibility
PowerPoint Speak is crucial for individuals with visual impairments who may struggle to read text on slides, enabling them to access the content auditorily.
2. Spotting Errors and Making Improvements
Listening to your presentation can help identify errors and improve flow that might be missed during visual editing.
3. To Present Your PowerPoint for You
This feature can be used to present your slides aloud, which is helpful for those who find public speaking challenging or for educators who wish students to experience content independently.
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