Not everybody likes to read, and this doesn’t mean you are lazy.  Some people at certain times feel it is easier to absorb information when they hear it, rather than looking at the words.  Or if you really want to learn something, sometimes reading the words, and hearing the words, can double the benefit and understanding.  This is exactly where a Text-to-Speech Converter may come in handy.

A Text-to-Speech Converter is software that can convert any text, whether it is a PDF document, Word document, or Webpage, into an audio file.

There are many text-to-speech converters available if you have a quick look across the web, but here is a few that I stumbled across:

Zamzar

Zamzar is dedicated to helping you transform your songs, videos, images and documents into different formats.  It has an upload limit of 100MB, and if you sign up, you can convert files up to 1GB.  The site takes practically all types of file types.

iSpeech

iSpeech has a free service, where you can listen to any text content with minimal effort, no software installation and no technical expertise.  You can cut and paste the text you wish to convert or upload any supported document, website, or blog and convert the file or listen directly from the site.

Ivona

With Ivona, you type the text you want to record into the editor box on the homepage. Then you select a voice on the right and listen to the recording by clicking the “play” button. You have a choice of English (US), English (UK), and Polish and Romanian.  You accept the final text version by clicking the “Download” button, which opens a new window and allows the recording to be downloaded.  Prices start from EUR0.01 per character.

VozMe

This site is a very basic and free text to MP3 converter, straight from the homepage.  It also has bonus versions, including a WordPress Plugin, Joomla Plugin, a Facebook Application Widget, an iGoogle Gadget, and other tips for adding the tool to your browser or website.

Natural Reader 10.0

NaturalReader is a Text to Speech software with natural sounding voices.  This easy to use software can convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and Emails into spoken words.  NaturalReader can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod.  Versions offered include free and paid options.

YakiToMe

Free text to speech (TTS) software, which allows you to upload documents, cut and paste text or link to feeds. Text reader converts text to speech automatically. Download audio and podcasts.
It’s fast and easy to use.  No software to download or install.

And one last one for Mozilla Firefox browser users:

Text to Voice 1.04

Here is a helpful speaking add-on. Did you ever come across a word which you were not sure how to pronounce? Ever wondered an easy way to hear the word?  This add-on is going to help. You only need to select the word/words to be pronounced and click the button on the bottom right of your browser. Then the add-on application is going to say the word/words for you.

You can even download what you just heard. An audio file in mp3 format can be downloaded from the same page. Right click on ‘download mp3′ link, select ‘save link as’, select location on your computer and it downloads the MP3 audio file.

Do you like text-to-speech software?  Do you use it?  Do you have any other favourites?  Feel free to share.