Fix Word Read Aloud Not Speaking Numbers in Numbered Lists
Question details
The user wants the Read Aloud feature in Microsoft Word to dictate the actual numbers in a numbered list, but the program currently skips them.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Listening to a document that contains numbered lists using the built-in Read Aloud feature.
- Observed behavior
- The Read Aloud engine reads the standard text of the document but completely ignores the automatic numbers generated in numbered lists.
Verify that your computer's audio is working properly and consider saving a duplicate copy of your document before applying formatting workarounds.
Convert Automatic Numbered Lists to Plain Text
Since the Read Aloud feature skips automatic list formatting, converting the lists into regular text forces the text-to-speech engine to recognize and speak the numbers.
In Word 2016, automatic numbering is treated as a layout element rather than readable text characters. By using a quick VBA macro, you can convert these layout elements into hard-coded text digits, which the Read Aloud engine will successfully dictate.
Press the Alt + F11 keys simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window in Word.
Press Ctrl + G to open the Immediate window at the bottom of the VBA Editor screen.
Type 'ActiveDocument.ConvertNumbersToText' into the Immediate window and press Enter. This will instantly convert all automatic numbering in the document to standard text.
Close the VBA Editor, return to your document, and activate the Read Aloud feature again. The numbers will now be read aloud.
Submit Feedback for Native Support
Because this is a known limitation of the Read Aloud feature in older versions of Word, you can submit a feature request directly to Microsoft for consideration in future updates.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Document Experience
If you are tired of encountering missing features and formatting limitations in older versions of Word, WPS Office provides a free, highly compatible, and lightweight alternative with an excellent suite of document reading and editing tools.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and click 'Open' to load your existing Word document without losing any formatting.
- 3. Explore Reading Tools: Navigate the toolbars to discover various view modes and reading features designed for optimal document review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Read Aloud skip numbers in Microsoft Word?
In versions like Word 2016, the native text-to-speech engine treats automatic list formatting as a layout element rather than actual text characters, causing it to skip the numbers entirely during playback.
Is there an update that fixes the Read Aloud numbered list issue?
Microsoft continually updates its Microsoft 365 services with improved text-to-speech features. However, for standalone, older versions like Word 2016, this limitation typically remains unpatched.
Can I use third-party screen readers to read numbered lists in Word?
Yes. Dedicated accessibility software and third-party screen readers like NVDA or JAWS process document formatting differently than the built-in Read Aloud tool and will typically read out automatic list numbers without issue.
