SpeechBeeGuide
Read aloud in Word on a Mac
Word for Mac can read your document out loud. Choose Review, then Read Aloud. If you don't have Microsoft 365, macOS can read selected text in Word for free. Here's how both work, and how to use them to proofread.
By the SpeechBee team, who make SpeechBee. Checked against Microsoft Support on 12 October 2026
On this page
Use Read Aloud in Word
- Open your document.
- Choose the Review tab, then Read Aloud.
- Use the controls to play, pause, and move to the previous or next paragraph. Select the X to stop.
- To read only part of the document, select that text first, then start Read Aloud.
Microsoft says Read Aloud is available in Office 2019, Office 2021 and Microsoft 365. If you don't see it, sign in to your Microsoft 365 account and restart Word.
Change the voice and speed
Select the gear icon in the Read Aloud controls. Use the Reading speed slider, and choose a voice under Voice Selection.
Immersive Reader
Word's Immersive Reader, under the View tab, changes spacing, colors and line focus to make text easier to follow, and can read aloud while highlighting each word.
Without Microsoft 365: Speak selection
macOS can read selected text in any app, Word included.
- Open System Settings, Accessibility, Read & Speak, and turn on Speak selection.
- Select text in Word and press Option-Esc. Press it again to stop.
See how to make your Mac read text aloud for voices, highlighting and speed.
Proofread a Word document by ear
Hearing your document catches missing words and run-on sentences your eyes skip. Listen a paragraph at a time at a slightly slower speed. More in proofread by listening.
A natural voice in every app
Word's Read Aloud only works in Word. SpeechBee, which we make, reads selected text in Word, Mail, Pages, a browser or any other Mac app with a natural voice that runs on your Mac. It also types what you say into Word with one key. $79 a year or $99 once, after 7 days free.
Hi Maya, I'll send the revised proposal tomorrow morning.
Most people read faster than they speak. SpeechBee reads the sentence you selected out loud, while you keep working.
Hear and dictate in Word and every other Mac app. Free for 7 days.
Voice to text and Read Aloud on your Mac, iPhone and iPad. After the week, $9 a month, $79 a year, or $99 once. Every plan has every feature.
Questions
How do I get Word to read to me on a Mac?
Choose Review, then Read Aloud. You need Office 2019, Office 2021 or Microsoft 365. Or select text and press Option-Esc with macOS Speak selection turned on.
Why can't I find Read Aloud in Word for Mac?
Make sure you're signed in to Microsoft 365, then restart Word. Read Aloud isn't in older versions of Office.
Can I change the Read Aloud voice in Word?
Yes. Select the gear icon in the Read Aloud controls and choose a voice and speed.
Can Word read aloud and dictate?
Yes. Read Aloud is under Review and Dictate under Home, both with Microsoft 365. See dictation in Word on a Mac.
Keep reading
Sources
All checked on 12 October 2026.