You Can Now Make Microsoft Word Read Documents Aloud

By  Dave Parrack

Microsoft Word has a new trick up its sleeve, and it should help anyone who struggles with the written word. The new feature is called Read Aloud, and it’s a significant improvement on the previous text-to-speech offerings in Word. Let’s hope this helps eradicate typos once and for all.Why Typos Always Matter, Even Online & In Text Messages [Opinion] Why Typos Always Matter, Even Online & In Text Messages [Opinion]We all make mistakes from time to time. It's natural, a part of life, a learning curve which we use to better ourselves. Typos are no exception. They happen often, and if writing forms a...READ MORE

Most of us can look at a word and immediately tell whether it’s spelt wrong. Or look at a sentence and tell whether it’s structured correctly. However, some people struggle with these things. Which is the main reason why Microsoft has upped its text-to-speech game with Read Aloud.

Microsoft Word Can Now Read Your Documents Aloud

Read Aloud is a new feature which has arrived as part of the latest Office 365 updates. Read Aloud does exactly what you’d expect it to do, with Word reading your document back to you. However, Word can now highlight each word as it’s read aloud right from within your workflow.

In its blog post detailing all of the new Office 365 updates Microsoft states that Read Aloud “makes it easier to recognize and correct errors as you write, improving reading and editing accuracy for everyone, especially users with learning disabilities such as dyslexia.”

Read Aloud, which is listed under the Review tab, is currently only available to Office Insiders. However, Microsoft promises it will become widely available to the general population “later this year”. Which, in Microsoft parlance, means anytime between now and December 31st.

These updates come hot on the heels of the unveiling of Microsoft 365, a new enterprise offering designed to destress IT departments. Microsoft 365 combines Office 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security in one package. Making it easier for businesses to move to Microsoft.Microsoft 365 Should Put Less Stress on IT Departments Microsoft 365 Should Put Less Stress on IT DepartmentsMicrosoft has unveiled Microsoft 365, a new offering for businesses which brings together Office 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security. Which should help prevent IT departments from losing their minds.READ MORE

Let’s Make Typos a Thing of the Past

Not everyone will need to make use of the new Read Aloud feature in Word. However, for those who struggle with spelling for whatever reason, this is sure to be useful. And if Read Aloud makes typos a thing of the past then people like myself will be able to sleep more suondly soundly.

Do you use Office 365? Do you think it represents good value for money? Can you see yourself using the new Read Aloud function in Word? Have you ever used text-to-speech functions before? Did you find them useful? If so, how? The comments are open below…

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