This interactive instructional unit is intended to introduce text-to-speech technology to a broad audience, but especially to those who work with individuals with special needs. It begins by explaining what TTS technology is, then explains why it is helpful, and ends by demonstrating how to acquire and use.three different TTS tools (Speak, NaturalReader, imTranslator). Assessment follows each section, and is in multiple choice format. To view this presentation in its true interactive format, click on "Save" to download the file and play in PowerPoint.

1. ext
to
peech
BeginExit

2. 1) To leave tutorial:
press the Escape Key
2) To then leave PowerPoint:
click on the X (upper right corner)
to close the program
Home

3. What is TTS?
Learn About Free TTS Tools
Resources
Home
Objectives
Why use TTS?

4. Menu
Tool Websites
TTS Articles
Tool Summary

5. After being given a description and
example of TTS, you will be able to
correctly identify what TTS technology
is, what it can be used to read, and
on what devices it can be found.
After being given information on
the benefits of TTS, you will be able
to correctly identify why TTS can be
helpful to utilize, especially for
certain circumstances.
Menu
After being given information on three tools
utilizing TTS, you will be able to correctly
identify what each of them are, why they
are special, and how to acquire & use them.

6. What is Speak?
Microsoft Office feature
Why is Speak Special?
built-in
Getting Speak:
After you have opened your desired Microsoft Office program, you will click on the
Customize Quick Access Toolbar icon at the top of the screen, and then on More
Commands…. In the command list, scroll down and click on Speak, then Add, then
OK. Now you have enabled the Speak feature!
Using Speak:
First, highlight the text you would like to be read aloud. Then, click on the Speak
icon on the Quick Access Toolbar. The text you highlighted will automatically be
read aloud.
Return

7. What is NaturalReader?
Software download from internet
Why is NaturalReader Special?
floating bar, speed control
Getting NaturalReader:
Once you’ve gone to the website (www.naturalreaders.com), click on the Free download tab,
and then the Free Download button for Windows. When the file downloads, click on it and then
on Run when the Open File box appears. You will follow the prompts in the InstallShield Wizard
until installation is complete. Now you have the NaturalReader software!
Using NaturalReader:
When you open the program, a box will appear that allows you to insert text (by typing,
inserting a file, or copying and pasting). Once the text is inserted, you can press the play button
to hear it converted into speech, and see the text highlighted as it is read aloud. A speed slider
control is available at the top to use to adjust the speed of the speaker’s voice. You can
reduce the box down to a floating toolbar, which allows easy access to conversion even when
using multiple programs (from websites to Word). With its one-click technology, you can simply
highlight the text on your current screen that you would like to be read aloud, and press a hot
key (predetermined by you under settings). Now you know how to use NaturalReader in a
variety of ways.
Return

8. What is Translate & Speak?
Web service
Why is Translate & Speak Special?
foreign language translation, virtual keyboard, speed control, speaking agent, audio link creation
Getting Translate & Speak:
All you have to do is go to the website (www.imtranslator.net), and click on the Translate & Speak
tab. Now you can use the web service!
Using Translate & Speak:
To simply convert text to speech with this web service, you can either type in your own text or copy
and paste text from another source. Choose your desired voice speed from the drop down menu,
and then press the Speak button to hear an onscreen agent speak your text. Language translation
service is also offered in conjunction with text-to-speech. You can translate English text into multiple
languages, and vice versa. To do this, make sure the Translate box is checked, and then choose your
desired languages from the drop down menus, and press the Translate & Speak button. You can
also create an audio link of your converted text by checking the Embed box, and then pressing the
Translate & Speak and Embed button. A link will be created which you can copy and paste into
another source. Now you know how to use the options for Translate and Speak.
Return

9. After being
given a description
and example of TTS,
you will be able to correctly
identify what TTS technology
is, what it can be used to
read, and on what devices it
can be found. Next
Menu

10. Back
Next

11. Back
Next
Uses Synthetic Speech:
produced word-by-word via a
TTS engine that usually relies
on strings of phonetic &
prosodic symbols

12. Next
Found on:
computers & mobile devices
(smart phones, GPS, tablets)
Uses Synthetic Speech:
produced word-by-word via a
TTS engine that usually relies
on strings of phonetic &
prosodic symbols
Back

13. Menu
Found on:
computers & mobile devices
(smart phones, GPS, tablets)
Reads Digital Text:
emails, websites, eBooks,
eJournal articles, reports,
your own typed work, &
any printed text scanned
using OCR
Check
your knowledge

14. 1) What does TTS stand for?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
text-to-speech
text-to-speak
type-to-speech
Menu

15. 1) What does TTS stand for?
A.
B.
C.
text-to-speech
text-to-speak
type-to-speech
Incorrect.
TTS does not stand for
text-to-speak.
Retry
? ?  ?
Menu

16. 1) What does TTS stand for?
A.
B.
C.
text-to-speech
text-to-speak
type-to-speech
Correct.
TTS stands for
text-to-speech.
Continue
? ?  ?
Menu

17. 1) What does TTS stand for?
A.
B.
C.
text-to-speech
text-to-speak
type-to-speech
Incorrect.
TTS does not stand for
type-to-speech.
Retry
? ?  ?
Menu

18. 2) TTS uses what type of speech to read
various forms of digital text?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
human
synthetic
robotic
Menu

19. 2) TTS uses what type of speech to read
various forms of digital text?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
human
synthetic
robotic
Correct.
TTS uses
synthetic speech.
Continue
Menu

20. 2) TTS uses what type of speech to read
various forms of digital text?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
human
synthetic
robotic
Incorrect.
TTS does not use
human speech.
Retry
Menu

21. 2) TTS uses what type of speech to read
various forms of digital text?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
human
synthetic
robotic
Incorrect.
TTS does not use
robotic speech.
Retry
Menu

22. 3) TTS technology can be found on all
of the following except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
smart phones
radios
computers
Menu

23. 3) TTS technology can be found on all
of the following except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
smart phones
radios
computers
Correct.
TTS technology is not found
on radios.
You have fulfilled this objective!
Continue to Why
Menu

24. 3) TTS technology can be found on all
of the following except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
smart phones
radios
computers
Incorrect.
TTS technology is found
on smart phones.
.
Retry
Menu

25. 3) TTS technology can be found on all
of the following except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
smart phones
radios
computers
Incorrect.
TTS technology is found
on computers.
.
Retry
Menu

26. After being
given information on
the benefits of TTS, you
will be able to correctly
identify why TTS can be
helpful to utilize, especially
for certain circumstances.
Next
Menu

27. Particularly Helpful for
Individuals with Special Needs:
Next
visual impairment
learning disabilities
dyslexia
Back

28. Menu
Helps with:
Particularly Helpful for
Individuals with Special Needs:
visual impairment
learning disabilities
dyslexia
foreign languages
comprehension
time & multitasking
attention &
listening skills
eye strainproofreading &
Check
your knowledge

29. 1) TTS is especially helpful for individuals with
all of the following except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
dyslexia
visual impairment
high reading level
Menu

30. 1) TTS is especially helpful for individuals with
all of the following except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
dyslexia
visual impairment
high reading level
Menu
Incorrect.
TTS is helpful for individuals
with visual impairments.
.
Retry

31. 1) TTS is especially helpful for individuals with
all of the following except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
dyslexia
visual impairment
high reading level
Menu
Incorrect.
TTS is helpful for individuals
with dyslexia.
.
Retry

32. 1) TTS is especially helpful for individuals with
all of the following except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
dyslexia
visual impairment
high reading level
Menu
Correct.
TTS is not especially helpful
for individuals with a
high reading level
Continue

33. 2) TTS can help with all of the following
except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
learning to type
proofreading
comprehension
Menu

34. 2) TTS can help with all of the following
except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
learning to type
proofreading
comprehension
Menu
Incorrect.
TTS is helpful for
proofreading.
.
Retry

35. 2) TTS can help with all of the following
except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
learning to type
proofreading
comprehension
Menu
Correct.
TTS is not helpful for
learning to type.
Continue

36. 2) TTS can help with all of the following
except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
learning to type
proofreading
comprehension
Menu
Incorrect.
TTS is helpful for
comprehension.
.
Retry

37. 3) TTS can save you time by all of the
following methods except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
allows multitasking
shortens text
sets reading pace
Menu

38. 3) TTS can save you time by all of the
following methods except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
allows multitasking
shortens text
sets reading pace
Menu
Correct.
TTS does not
shorten the text.
You have fulfilled this objective!
Continue to Tools

39. 3) TTS can save you time by all of the
following methods except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
allows multitasking
shortens text
sets reading pace
Menu
Incorrect.
TTS does
allow for multitasking.
.
Retry

40. 3) TTS can save you time by all of the
following methods except which one?
? ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
allows multitasking
shortens text
sets reading pace
Menu
Incorrect.
TTS does
set a reading pace.
.
Retry

41. After being
given information on
three tools utilizing TTS,
you will be able to correctly
identify what each of them
are, why they are special, and
how to acquire & use them.
Next
Menu

42. Menu
software
Office feature
web service

43. You can use this
Microsoft Office feature
to read text aloud in:
Back
Word Outlook
PowerPoint OneNote
Excel
Next

44. Back
Next
built-in

45. Menu
How do
I get it?
How do
I use it?
Link to
Site
Check
your knowledge

46. openstep 2step 3step 4
Next
Step
Back
1) Open your Microsoft Office program

47. openstep 2step 3step 4
Next
Step
Back
1) Open your Microsoft Office program

48. opentoolbarstep 3step 4
Next
Step
Back
2) Click on Customize Quick Access Toolbar

49. opentoolbarcommandsstep 4
Next
Step
Back
3) Click on More Commands…

50. opentoolbarcommandsadd
Return
4) Scroll down to, select, & add Speak
Click OK
1
2 3

51. Menu
How do
I get it?
How do
I use it?
Link to
Site
Check
your knowledge

52. Menu
How do
I get it?
How do
I use it?
Link to
Site
Check
your knowledge

53. Return

54. 1) Speak is a TTS:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
web service
software program
feature of Office
Menu

55. 1) Speak is a TTS:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
web service
software program
feature of Office
Menu
Incorrect.
Speak is not a
software program.
.
Retry

56. 1) Speak is a TTS:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
web service
software program
feature of Office
Menu
Incorrect.
Speak is not a
web service.
.
Retry

57. 1) Speak is a TTS:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
web service
software program
feature of Office
Menu
Correct.
Speak is a
feature of Microsoft Office.
Continue

58. 2) Speak is special because it:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
has a translator
is built-in
has a floating toolbar
Menu

59. 2) Speak is special because it:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
has a translator
is built-in
has a floating toolbar
Menu
Correct.
Speak is built-in, so only
needs to be enabled.
Continue

60. 2) Speak is special because it:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
has a translator
is built-in
has a floating toolbar
Menu
Incorrect.
Speak does not have
a translator.
.
Retry

61. 2) Speak is special because it:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
has a translator
is built-in
has a floating toolbar
Menu
Incorrect.
Speak does not have
a floating toolbar.
.
Retry

62. 3) You can enable the Speak feature by first
clicking on the:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
File Menu
Insert Tab
Quick Access Toolbar
Menu

63. 3) You can enable the Speak feature by first
clicking on the:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
File Menu
Insert Tab
Quick Access Toolbar
Menu
Incorrect.
To enable Speak, you do
not click on the Insert Tab.
.
Retry

64. 3) You can enable the Speak feature by first
clicking on the:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
File Menu
Insert Tab
Quick Access Toolbar
Menu
Incorrect.
To enable Speak, you do
not click on the File Menu.
.
Retry

65. 3) You can enable the Speak feature by first
clicking on the:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
File Menu
Insert Tab
Quick Access Toolbar
Menu
Correct.
To enable, first click on the
Quick Access Toolbar.
Continue

66. 4) To use the Speak feature, you must do this
before clicking on the Speak icon:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
highlight the text
press the Shift key
hold down the Spacebar
Menu

67. 4) To use the Speak feature, you must do this
before clicking on the Speak icon:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
highlight the text
press the Shift key
hold down the Spacebar
Menu
Incorrect.
To use Speak, you do not
need to press Shift.
.
Retry

68. 4) To use the Speak feature, you must do this
before clicking on the Speak icon:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
highlight the text
press the Shift key
hold down the Spacebar
Menu
Correct.
To use Speak, first
highlight the text.
You have fulfilled the objective
for this tool!
Other Tools

69. 4) To use the Speak feature, you must do this
before clicking on the Speak icon:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
highlight the text
press the Shift key
hold down the Spacebar
Menu
Incorrect.
To use Speak, you do not
need to hold Space.
.
Retry

70. You can use
this software to
read text aloud in:
Back
Next
webpages email
…and more!

71. floating toolbar
speaker menu &
speed control
Back
Next

72. How do
I get it?
How do
I use it?
Link to
Site
Menu
Check
your knowledge

73. websitestep 2step 3step 4
Next
Step
Back
1) Go to the website www.naturalreaders.com

74. websitestep 2step 3step 4
Next
Step
Back
1) Go to the website www.naturalreaders.com

75. websitedownloadstep 3step 4
Next
Step
Back
2) Click on the Free download tab & then the
Free Download button 1
2

76. websitedownloadrunstep 4
Next
Step
Back
3) After downloaded, click on the file, &
then on Run in the Open File box
1
2

77. websitedownloadruninstall
4) Follow the prompts in the InstallShield Wizard:
Next
Next (I accept…)
Next
Next
Install
Wait for installation
Finish
Replay
Install Prompts
Return

78. websitedownloadruninstall
4) Follow the prompts in the InstallShield Wizard:
Next
Next (I accept…)
Next
Next
Install
Wait for installation
Finish
Replay
Install Prompts
Return

79. Menu
Link to
Site
How do
I get it?
How do
I use it?
Check
your knowledge

80. Menu
Link to
Site
How do
I get it?
How do
I use it?
Check
your knowledge

81. Return

82. 1) NaturalReader is a TTS:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
web service
software program
feature of Office
Menu

83. 1) NaturalReader is a TTS:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
web service
software program
feature of Office
Menu
Correct.
NaturalReader is a
software program.
Continue

84. 1) NaturalReader is a TTS:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
web service
software program
feature of Office
Menu
Incorrect.
NaturalReader is not a
web service.
.
Retry

85. 1) NaturalReader is a TTS:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
web service
software program
feature of Office
Menu
Incorrect.
NaturalReader is not a
Microsoft Office feature.
.
Retry

86. 2) NaturalReader is special because it:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
has a translator
is built-in
has a floating toolbar
Menu

87. 2) NaturalReader is special because it:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
has a translator
is built-in
has a floating toolbar
Menu
Incorrect.
NaturalReader is not built-
in; it requires a download.
.
Retry

88. 2) NaturalReader is special because it:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
has a translator
is built-in
has a floating toolbar
Menu
Incorrect.
NaturalReader does not
have a translator.
.
Retry

89. 2) NaturalReader is special because it:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
has a translator
is built-in
has a floating toolbar
Menu
Correct.
NaturalReader has an
onscreen floating toolbar.
Continue

90. 3) You can download the Free Version of
NaturalReader at which website? www. :
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
naturalreader.org
readnaturally.com
naturalreaders.com
Menu

91. 3) You can download the Free Version of
NaturalReader at which website? www. :
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
Menu
Incorrect.
The NaturalReader site is not
www.readnaturally.com
.
Retry
naturalreader.org
readnaturally.com
naturalreaders.com

92. 3) You can download the Free Version of
NaturalReader at which website? www. :
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
Menu
naturalreader.org
readnaturally.com
naturalreaders.com
Incorrect.
The NaturalReader site is not
www.naturalreader.org
.
Retry

93. 3) You can download the Free Version of
NaturalReader at which website? www. :
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
Menu
Correct.
The NaturalReader site is
www.naturalreaders.com
Continue
naturalreader.org
readnaturally.com
naturalreaders.com

94. 4) To use NaturalReader, you can do all of
the following except which one?
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
insert a file with text
highlight the text
Menu
use a microphone

95. 4) To use NaturalReader, you can do all of
the following except which one?
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
Menu
Incorrect.
To use NaturalReader, you
can insert a text file.
.
Retry
insert a file with text
highlight the text
use a microphone

96. 4) To use NaturalReader, you can do all of
the following except which one?
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
Menu
Correct.
To use NaturalReader, you
cannot use a microphone.
You have fulfilled the objective
for this tool!
Other Tools
use a microphone
insert a file with text
highlight the text

97. 4) To use NaturalReader, you can do all of
the following except which one?
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
Menu
insert a file with text
highlight the text
Incorrect.
To use NaturalReader, you
can highlight the text.
.
Retry
use a microphone

98. You can use this web service
to read text aloud
from any digital source
(text can be copied & pasted or typed into the site)
Back
Next

99. Back
Next
foreign language
translation
create
audio link
virtual
keyboard
speaking
agent
speed
options

100. How do
I get it?
How do
I use it?
Link to
Site
Menu
Check
your knowledge

101. websitestep 2
Next
Step
Back
1) Go to the website www.imtranslator.net

102. websiteweb service
2) Click on the Translate & Speak tab to go to
the web service
Return

103. How do
I get it?
How do
I use it?
Link to
Site
Menu
Check
your knowledge

104. How do
I get it?
How do
I use it?
Link to
Site
Menu
Check
your knowledge

105. Return

106. 1) Translate & Speak is a TTS:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
web service
software program
feature of Office
Menu

107. 1) Translate & Speak is a TTS:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
web service
software program
feature of Office
Menu
Incorrect.
Translate & Speak is not a
software program.
.
Retry

108. 1) Translate & Speak is a TTS:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
web service
software program
feature of Office
Menu
Correct.
Translate & Speak is a
web service.
Continue

109. 1) Translate & Speak is a TTS:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
web service
software program
feature of Office
Menu
Incorrect.
Translate & Speak is not a
Microsoft Office feature.
.
Retry

110. 2) Translate & Speak is special because it:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
has a translator
is built-in
has a floating toolbar
Menu

111. 2) Translate & Speak is special because it:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
has a translator
is built-in
has a floating toolbar
Menu
Incorrect.
Translate & Speak not
built-in; it is on a website.
.
Retry

112. 2) Translate & Speak is special because it:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
has a translator
is built-in
has a floating toolbar
Menu
Correct.
Translate & Speak has a
language translator.
Continue

113. 2) Translate & Speak is special because it:
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
has a translator
is built-in
has a floating toolbar
Menu
Incorrect.
Translate & Speak does not
have a floating toolbar.
.
Retry

114. 3) You can find the Translate & Speak web
service through which website? www. :
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
translateim.net
translatespeak.com
Menu
imtranslator.net

115. 3) You can find the Translate & Speak web
service through which website? www. :
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
Menu
Incorrect.
Translate & Speak is not
found through
www.transatespeak.com
.
Retry
translateim.net
translatespeak.com
imtranslator.net

116. 3) You can find the Translate & Speak web
service through which website? www. :
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
Menu
translateim.net
translatespeak.com
imtranslator.net
Incorrect.
Translate & Speak is not
found through
www.transateim.net
.
Retry

117. 3) You can find the Translate & Speak web
service through which website? www. :
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
Menu
Correct.
Translate & Speak is
found through
www.imtranslator.net
Continue
translateim.net
translatespeak.com
imtranslator.net

118. 4) To use Translate & Speak, you can do all
of the following except which one?
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
type in text
copy/paste text
Menu
highlight the text

119. 4) To use Translate & Speak, you can do all
of the following except which one?
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
Menu
Incorrect.
To use Translate & Speak,
you can type in text.
.
Retry
type in text
copy/paste text
highlight the text

120. 4) To use Translate & Speak, you can do all
of the following except which one?
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
Menu
Correct.
To use Translate & Speak,
you cannot highlight text.
You have fulfilled the objective
for this tool!
Other Tools
type in text
copy/paste text
highlight the text

121. 4) To use Translate & Speak, you can do all
of the following except which one?
? ?  ?  ?
A.
B.
C.
Menu
type in text
copy/paste text
highlight the text
Incorrect.
To use Translate & Speak,
you can copy/paste text.
.
Retry