These instructions refer to Windows XP.
The following describes the keystrokes to use to control audio and speech. Some keys on the standard keyboard have two alternatives; the second one may be preferred especially for notebooks as explained in the note at the foot of this page.
First, some terminology:
'Speech volume and rate' refers to the synthesized speech that SpeakOn generates to interact with you.
'Master audio volume ' refers to your computer master audio that combines all audio generated by your computer, SpeakOn included. This is the same audio that you can control by the volume controls in Windows.
When SpeakOn starts its speech volume and rate are at levels set in the 'Voice Settings task as explained in:
here
From any task in SpeakOn, you can adjust the speech volume and rate as follows:
'Speech Minus' [F5] or [Ctrl + Page down] - reduces the speech volume
'Speech Plus' [F6] or [Ctrl + Up arrow] - increases the speech volume
* 'Speech Minus' [Ctrl + F5] or [Ctrl + Shift + Page down] - reduces the speech rate
* 'Speech Plus' [Ctrl + F6] or [Ctrl + Shift + Page Up] - increases the speech rate
*# 'Speech Plus' [Ctrl + Shift + F6] - Toggles speech echo On or Off for the duration of the current session - this feature works only when the focus is on an Edit control
Volume and speed increments per key stroke are 5%. Values announced indicate the position relative to the maximum and minimum values.
Speech settings are independent of any other program using speech such as a screen reader that you may be using.
'Audio Minus' [F7] or [Ctrl + Down arrow] - reduces the master audio volume
'Audio Plus' [F8] or [Ctrl + Up arrow] - increases the master audio volume
Master volume increments per key stroke are 5%. Volume values are announced indicating the position relative to the maximum and minimum values. The master volume audio settings affects Windows volume settings directly and is maintained by Windows after system shutdown.
The standard keys to use as indicated above for audio and speech adjustments are F5 - F8 with the appropriate modifiers.
The alternative keys to use as indicated above for audio and speech adjustment are Down arrow, Up arrow, Page down, Page Up with appropriate modifiers.
Notebooks do not have separate Page Up and Page Down keys and these keys are realized by holding down the Fn (function) key located usually near the left Ctrl key in combination with the Up arrow and Down arrow keys. If you look carefully at the alternative keys specified above, you will find that the speech control keys are exactly the same as the audio keys but with the function key pressed; easy to operate and remember.
Note that some screen readers use the alternative keys combination for their own purpose and consequently these will not work unless you switch your screen reader OFF; alternatively in this situation, use the standard keys.
[ Next - Adjusting the Speech and Audio in Windows Vista Seven and Eight ]