In legal practice, reading transcripts is essential, but listening to them can deliver a new level of comprehension and flexibility. Whether you’re reviewing deposition testimony on the go, multitasking while prepping for trial, or simply prefer hearing the content aloud, TranscriptPad’s Speak Transcript feature can make a big impact. And in three quick steps, you can dramatically improve that experience by downloading enhanced voices on your iPad, and even assigning different voices to questions and answers.
Here’s how to customize your setup for a smoother, clearer, and more natural listening experience.
Step 1: Open iPad Settings and Download New Voices
Apple includes a wide variety of high-quality voices in multiple accents and languages, but you’ll need to download them first.
1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Navigate to Accessibility > Spoken Content
3. Tap on Voices
3. Tap on English, then scroll to see available voices.
4. Tap the download icon next to any voice you’d like to add.
We recommend trying Apple’s Enhanced voices for the most natural-sounding speech. Some of our favorites include:
Ava (Enhanced) – Clear and friendly
Nathan (Enhanced) – Calm and professional
Evan (Enhanced) – Smooth and neutral
Susan (Enhanced) – Crisp and articulate
Once downloaded, you’ll be able to select these voices directly in TranscriptPad.
Step 2: Assign Different Voices for Questions and Answers
One of the most helpful options in TranscriptPad’s Speak Transcript feature is the ability to use separate voices for the questions and answers. This makes it easier to follow the flow of testimony without needing to constantly glance at the screen.
1. Open TranscriptPad and go to any transcript.
2. Tap the “Speak Transcript” icon.
3. Turn on Speak Transcript.
4. Scroll down and select one voice for Questions, and another for Answers.
Step 3: Listen, Understand, and Multitask
With your voices set up, press play and let TranscriptPad read the transcript to you. The separate voices for questioning and answering help you quickly identify who’s speaking, and the natural-sounding enhanced voices reduce fatigue during long listening sessions. Adjust the speed using the playback bar. The speed will adjust at the next question or answer. Tap pause, adjust the speed using the playback bar, and tap play for immediate speed changes.
The power of TranscriptPad goes beyond search and annotation. When paired with enhanced voices, it becomes a tool that works with you, however you choose to work. Try out a few new voices, mix and match, and find the combination that helps you get the most out of every transcript.