The 7 Best Free Text-to-Speech Tools for Educators

Text-to-speech tools can be beneficial to students of all ages. Hearing your text out loud can help you catch mistakes you may have made and spot phrases that don't fit the writing as well as you thought.

Often, when writing a paper, you might reach a point when reading it doesn't make a big difference. That's where a text-to-speech tool can help. Below you will find the best free text-to-speech tools to help you write a paper or grade one.

1. Announcify

Announcify is an easy-to-use and free text-to-speech tool. It is a Chrome extension from Google that lets you listen to websites aloud. The Announcify app is readily available in the Chrome Web Store.

Once you install the application, you have to click the Announcify button to hear the website's text. The program has an easy-to-use interface.

It works well for students cramming for a test. Reading the information on the screen gets tricky after a while. Annoucify will read aloud the site you're on and simplify your study process.

2. Free Natural Reader

As the name suggests, Free Natural Reader is a free text-to-speech reader. You can use it to convert any written text into spoken words. These include Microsoft Word and PDF files, as well as web pages and even emails.

You can see how helpful the tool can be for students, but it doesn't end there. Free Natural Reader is easy to use and designed for the user. What's more, it's even got a dyslexia font for extra convenience.

Teachers who are tired of reviewing their students' papers can find this useful, too. Instead of reading out their manuscripts before marking, they can listen aloud and give their eyes at least a little rest.

3. Balabolka

With Balabolka text-to-speech software, you can convert text to speech using Microsoft's patented Speech Application Programming Interface (SAPI).

Known as one of the best text-to-speech tools out there, Balabolka works to improve the quality and clarity of speech. The platform can convert text to speech and check the text for grammar and spelling errors.

Balabolka also lets you alter the voice, pitch, and volume for specific texts, a feature unavailable in most software. Currently, it supports English and German, but is working on adding more. Users can also customize the font and the background.

Teachers can use Balabolka in reading exercises to practice pronouncing some words within texts. The application can also be helpful for teachers dealing with students with learning disorders.

4. SpeakIt!

SpeakIt is a text-to-speech tool available for Chrome. It allows you to select the text you want to read and then listen to it. SpeakIt can read texts in more than 50 languages.

You only have to select what you want to hear and click on the icon to begin listening. If you need a break, you can always pause it.

SpeakIt is available on Windows (using SAPI 5), macOS, and Chrome OS, allowing you to use it regardless of platform.

Since SpeakIt supports a variety of languages, it’s excellent for students learning a new language. Students can select a new text and listen to its correct pronunciation. You can use it to articulate different words and correct your accents.

Related: The Best (Free) Speech-to-Text Software for Windows

5. Speakabo

The Speakabo tool enables you to convert text-to-speech and download it in MP3 format. It’s not the only tool that allows you to do this, but that doesn't make it any less convenient.

The text-to-speech service offers the largest collection of realistic-sounding voices, in over 100 variations and 20+ languages. An ever-growing library powered by AI.

Moreover, you can use SSML tags to the audio, which will help you create audio for your videos or educational materials.

Students can use this service the next time they have a group project and need to make a presentation. You can record questions or dialogue in advance and play it while you're making video essays, as well.

6. PowerTalk

PowerTalk is a great tool to help you with presentations. It's a free program that automatically reads out your presentation aloud or the slideshow you're playing in Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows.

Install it, then open up the application, and run your presentation as usual. PowerTalk will begin to narrate your presentation right away.

To set up PowerTalk, you need PowerPoint 2000 or later. It can speak not only the visible text, but also 'alternative text' for images, graphics, and shapes. That makes a great presentation tool.

7. Select and Speak

As the name suggests, Select and Speak helps you pick out the text you want to hear and speaks it aloud. The text you choose can come from any website online.

Select and Speak uses iSpeech's human-sounding text-to-speech to read your selections. It utilizes several iSpeech voices in various languages. It continues to add new ones to its dictionary—the most recent being Greek and Arabic, among others.

Additionally, you can request additional languages through the customer service section, thus increasing the number of available languages.

To use the service, you have to enter and select the text, click the icon to start listening, and if you want to stop, press stop. It's simple and easy to use, and you can manage the voice and speed via the settings.

Much like with SpeakIt, Select and Speak is excellent for students trying to learn a new language. Also, it's handy for teachers trying to show different accents speaking the same text.

Related: The Best Android Dictation Apps for Easy Speech-to-Text

How Students and Teachers Benefit From Text-to-Speech Programs

A text-to-speech application is a useful addition to the educational sector. There are countless benefits and no disadvantages, at least none that are relevant.

As a result of programs like these, educators have an easier time communicating with students with dyslexia. Besides, students are better able to complete assignments and handle their homework.

Using these tools has become an increasingly popular practice for writers of all kinds. It would be best if you never made mistakes while writing something that gets closely examined and graded.

Furthermore, text-to-speech software is not limited to your PC, laptop, or tablet. Various applications for your phone can also provide the same benefits.

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