I received an email recently enquiring about my skills at navigating technology as a writer. I was invited to share my favourite hacks and short cuts in using Microsoft Word. In answer to the question what’s your best technology tip? I recommend use of the read aloud function. I use a MacBook Air and it’s easy to set up this facility following these easy instructions. You can even choose the gender of your computer-generated voice. For Microsoft support click here.
I find the read aloud facility is particularly useful during the editing and proof reading phases of my writing.
Editing
I listen to the text (without following the words) as this enables me to hear (and make notes to correct):
- continuity errors
- clunky dialogue
- consistency of each character’s voice
Proof reading
Listening helps to identify and correct
- unintended rhymes and patterns in word use
- repeated words
- word omissions
- punctuation issues
- typos
If you haven’t used this facility before, it’s well worth trying out. It may help with fiction, non-fiction or even poetry. Why not give it a try and let me know how you get on?
the writer is a lonely hunter 
Great advice, Gail. For the last year, once my first draft is completed I begin reading it out loud as I go through the editing process. Doing that, and using Grammarly, has helped greatly, I feel, in identifying not only clunking writing (hopefully!) but simple typos as well. Your advice is spot on. Thank you for sharing.
Spot on, Jim. Of course, I’m now going to add typos to my list!
LOL!! Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season, my friend 🙂
And you, Jim.
That’s a cool feature that I’ve never used before, and I’m pretty decent with technology. Might give it a go, and see how it feels to write by ear 🙂 Thanks for this!
Good luck! And thanks for dropping by.