TEXT TO SPEECH

TEXT TO SPEECH

Mike Kemmler (mdkemmler@yahoo.com) recently began using text-to-speech conversion with clients in order to rapidly create audio files for early prototypes. Kemmler's organization's rapid prototyping approach employs Articulate Presenter to create narrated online presentations that eventually boast professional audio.

"Up-front, however, I have begun using text-to-speech to create a rough narrated first prototype for client review. At this point, the presentation is kind of flat, but it allows the reviewers to see and hear the rough content to make sure the messages are on-target. Then, we take it up to the next level on the second prototype (adding in more graphics, review exercises, tests, animations and builds synchronized with the audio -- plus making any requested changes to the narrative and sound files)." www.nextuptech.com

To accomplish this, Kemmler uses TextAloud 2.0 from NextUp.com in Clemmons, N.C. He also uses the AT&T Natural Voices add-on "to get a much nicer (more human) result." "The price tag in total was close to $50, so it didn't take long for the purchase to pay for itself. End result is significant time savings. The recording of scratch audio for early prototypes, which could have taken hours before, now takes minutes. Plus, there is no human error; what is in the script is what is recorded!"

Kemmler is an e-learning architect at Computer Mediated Learning NOW! in Chicago, Ill.