| To Read Text (depends on Shortcut setup "Read Below") | Option + Esc |
| To dictate (depends on Shortcut setup) | Control key Twice |
Applies to: macOS Ventura and later
Skill Level: Beginner
Part 1: Have Your Mac Read Text Aloud Using Command Key
If you want your Mac to read highlighted text to you, follow these steps:
Step 1: Turn On "Speak Selection"
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Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
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Choose System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
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Go to Accessibility.
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Scroll down and click on Spoken Content.
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Turn on “Speak selection”.
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Optional: Click Options to choose the voice and speaking rate.
Step 2: Use the Shortcut to Speak
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Highlight the text you want to hear.
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Press Option + ESC on your keyboard.
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Your Mac will begin reading the text out loud.
Part 2: Use Dictation to Type an Email
Dictation lets you speak into your Mac, and it will type the words for you.
Step 1: Turn On Dictation
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Click the Apple menu .
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Choose System Settings.
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Go to Keyboard.
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Find Dictation and turn it On.
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Optional: Select your microphone and language.
Step 2: Use Dictation to Type
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Open the app where you want to type (like Mail or Notes).
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Click into the message or text field.
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Press the Function (Fn) key twice (or Control + Command + Space on some Macs) Or (Control key twice).
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Start speaking. Your words will appear on the screen.
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Press Fn again or click Done to stop dictation.
Tips:
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Speak clearly and at a normal pace.
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You can say punctuation, like "comma", "period", or "new paragraph".
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Use headphones with a mic for better accuracy in noisy areas.