Office Settings & Configuration

How to Emphasize a Single Word with Word Read Aloud

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to make the text-to-speech feature emphasize or read aloud a single, specific word in a document.

How to Emphasize a Single Word with Word Read Aloud

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Listening to the feel of text during writing or editing, such as when developing a novel into an audiobook.
Observed behavior: The default Read Aloud feature reads text continuously and lacks an option to emphasize or isolate a single word.

Before you start

Ensure your computer's audio is turned on and your speaker volume is set to a comfortable level before testing the text-to-speech features.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Speak Command for Selected Text

Since Read Aloud cannot emphasize specific words dynamically, adding the Speak command to your Quick Access Toolbar allows you to selectively listen to any isolated word or phrase.

Microsoft Word's built-in Read Aloud tool is designed to read through entire documents or sections continuously. It does not provide a specific toggle to add vocal emphasis to an individual word.

As a reliable workaround, you can use the hidden Speak command. This command only reads the exact text you highlight, allowing you to hear the pronunciation and feel of a single word without having the engine read the surrounding paragraph.

Open Word Options

Launch Microsoft Word. Click on 'File' in the top left corner, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Navigate to Quick Access Toolbar

In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Quick Access Toolbar' in the left pane.

Add the Speak Command

Under the 'Choose commands from' dropdown menu, select 'All Commands'. Scroll down the alphabetical list, select 'Speak', click the 'Add >>' button in the middle, and then click 'OK'.

Listen to a Single Word

Highlight the specific word or short phrase you want to hear in your document. Click the new 'Speak' icon (a speech bubble) in your Quick Access Toolbar at the top of the window to have Word read only that selection.

Tip for Authors: Using the Speak command selectively is an excellent way to check the rhythm, flow, and pronunciation of tricky phrases when adapting a manuscript for an audiobook.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Read Aloud and Speak in Word?

Read Aloud is a robust tool that continuously reads your document with visible playback controls and highlights words as it goes. Speak is a simpler command that only reads the specific text you have manually highlighted, making it ideal for isolated words.

Can I change the voice used by the Speak command?

Yes. The Speak command uses your computer's built-in text-to-speech engine. You can change the voice, speed, and pitch by accessing the 'Text to Speech' settings in your Windows Control Panel or Windows Settings.

Is there a shortcut key for the Speak command?

While there isn't a default keyboard shortcut for Speak, once you add it to the Quick Access Toolbar, you can trigger it by pressing the 'Alt' key plus the number corresponding to its position on the toolbar (for example, Alt + 4).

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