How to Use Read Aloud in Microsoft Word (Listen to Text)

As a copy editor, I believe one of the best ways to locate typos is to listen to the text—while also reading along, of course. So, today’s tutorial shows how to use Read Aloud in Microsoft Word.

Table of Contents:

How to Use Read Aloud
Bonus Section: Use Read Aloud with Immersive Reader

Watch all the steps shown here in real time!

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The images below are from Word for Microsoft 365. These steps also apply to Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Word 2024, Word 2021, and Word 2019. These steps don’t apply to Word for the web or Word for mobile.

How to Use Read Aloud

Place your cursor where you want to start listening or select the text you want to listen to.
Select the Review tab.
Select Read Aloud in the Speech group.

Pro Tip: If you prefer keyboard shortcuts, you can also start Read Aloud by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Spacebar (PC) or Control + Option + Spacebar (Mac).

Read Aloud in the Review tab in Microsoft 365 — Figure 1. Read Aloud option

The software should begin reading your text.

Use the Read Aloud interface to control the reading:

A. Previous reads the previous paragraph.

B. Pause/Play starts and stops the audio.

C. Next reads the next paragraph.

D. Settings lets you adjust the reading speed and choose between a male and female voice. (Word for Mac users may see many more voice options in this menu.)

Read Aloud interface in Word 365 — Figure 2. Read Aloud interface

Fun Fact: Your Read Aloud voice’s accent will reflect your document’s proofing language. For example, if your proofing language is English (United States), your Read Aloud voice will have an American accent. However, if your proofing language is English (United Kingdom), your Read Aloud voice will have a British accent.

The software will continue reading until it arrives at the end of the selected text or document or until you press pause or close the Read Aloud interface.