ClipTalk v1.21
Welcome to ClipTalk v1.21, a shareware application to allow you to speak the text currently on the clipboard.
Contents |
Installation |
Usage |
History |
Shareware Notice |
Contacting the Author |
ClipTalk Keyboard Guide |
When ClipTalk is run it will minimize to the tray notification area using a light bulb icon. Right mouse clicking will display a context menu with the following options:
V1.1 (29th June 1998)
Please note that existing registered users of ClipTalk should contact the Author for registration codes to get rid of the new NAG screen which has been introduced in v1.1.
V1.2 (1st December 1998)
V1.21 (2nd December 1998)
ClipTalk is shareware and this trial version is fully functional with the addition of the NAG screen when the program starts. This means that you are free to evaluate and use it for up to 30 days. After this period if you are still using ClipTalk then you should register ClipTalk with the author. The cost is $10 US. Currently I do not support online registration for Cliptalk, but if interest is sufficient I will consider making online registration available. Payment should be made by cheque and be made out to:
PJ Naughter,
PJ Naughter
Email: pjn@indigo..ie
Web: http://indigo.ie/~pjn
1st December 1998
ClipTalk Keyboard Guide by an existing user of the Program
You can use your keyboard in place of your mouse to invoke speech from ClipTalk. You may wish to use these shortcuts for convenience, or if you have difficulty using a mouse due to visual or physical impairment.
Getting Started
Before getting started, you may wish to alter a few of ClipTalk's settings. Here are some keystrokes you will find useful in the Settings dialog:
Step forward through options | TAB |
Step backwards | Shift+Tab |
Jump between General and Speech tabs | Ctrl+Tab |
Change speaker | Up or Down arrow |
Adjust Pause, Volume, Pitch or Rate | Right and Left arrows to move through slider bars |
Check or clear a checkbox, or press a button | SpaceBar |
Press a button | Enter |
Cancel a change | Escape |
On the General tab of the Settings dialog, press the hotkey you wish to use to start and stop speaking clipboard content. How about Control-V for "verbalise"?. You should also enable hotkeys for the other options aswell. Next, enable the option to periodically monitor clipboard changes. With this option checked, ClipTalk will speak the clipboard content as soon as new text is placed on the clipboard with a Copy or Cut command.
On the Speech tab, adjust the settings, experimenting until you find what you like. Press the Test button to listen to the changes, and the OK button to return to the desktop or your Windows application.
Text Highlighting Shortcuts
Use the following standard keystrokes to copy and speak selected units of text in your Windows applications:
Copy text to clipboard | Ctrl+C |
Cut to clipboard | Ctrl+X |
Select All | Ctrl+A |
Select from caret to end of line | Shift+End |
Select word to right of caret | Shift+Ctrl+Right Arrow |
Select word to left of caret | Ctrl+Shift+Left Arrow |
Select N lines below caret | Shift+Down Arrow N times |
Select N lines above caret | Shift+Up Arrow N times |
Select from caret to bottom of screen | Shift+PageDown |
Select from caret to end of document | Shift+Ctrl+PageDown |
Select paragraph | Ctrl+Shift+Down Arrow |
Note: these key combinations may not behave as described in all of your applications; they represent merely the keystrokes commonly used in word processors. Also, pressing one of these combinations does not produce speech; you must press Ctrl+C to copy what you have selected to the clipboard. If the timer option in the Settings dialog is cleared, you will also need to press your Speak/Stop hotkey.
A Practical Example
You can use ClipTalk to add speech to your Windows applications in ways limited only by your imagination. Here is just a small practical example using a Help system.
Let's suppose you want your application's Help system to read a topic to you, while you work with the application in a full-screen view, or even perform some other task. First, open the application's Help table of contents. If you're using Microsoft Word, you can get there by pressing Alt+H to bring down the menu, then C for Help Contents. Then, navigate to the topic you wish to read and press Enter. You're now ready to have the topic spoken. In a Help topic, it is not necessary to highlight text; simply press Ctrl+C, and, if necessary, your Speak hotkey. Now, go ahead and press Escape to exit Help, and work in your application while listening to the topic.
Some Other Suggested Uses
These are just a few of the suggested uses for ClipTalk. Please write us as you find new and fun uses.
Where To Go For More Help
This section has been a brief introduction to some of ClipTalk's keyboard accessible capabilities. For a comprehensive guide to keyboard navigation of the Windows environment and Windows applications, consult the Microsoft Windows Keyboard Guide. You can find this document on the Microsoft Accessibility and Disabilities web site at: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/ (formatted version), or http://www.microsoft.com/enable/default-u.htm (text-only version).
If you have further questions regarding the use of this program without eyesight, or as a complement to your existing accessibility aids, feel free to e-mail me at: donu@mars.ark.com.