I’m feeling a bit conflicted about the best way to ingest text using text-to-speech. Currently, I use 11 Labs Reader and really enjoy the authentic voices it provides. However, I feel that I might understand and retain information better with Eloquence.
For context, I’m not a Braille user, so reading Braille isn’t an option for me. I’m currently reading a self-help book that requires a lot of thinking and reflection. I would love to hear from others about their experiences and preferences.
Additionally, do people prefer reading their books on laptops or their phones? Is this preference because of the ability to use physical arrow keys to navigate through the content? I sometimes think I might prefer using physical keys, but I found the Victor Reader too laggy for this purpose.
Do you find that certain text-to-speech options help you understand and retain information better than others? If so, which ones and why? What approaches do you find most effective for ingesting and processing text-heavy, thought-provoking material?
Comments
I have 'read' thousands of books over the past 35 years
All audio, I am not a brille reader. If your hearing is OK, the only reason to use Eloquence is speed - at least that is what people say. If you are worried you aren't understanding the content, then slow down, whatever voice you are using.
My experience from reading thousands of books over decades, using many different voices, is that once I am 'tuend in' to a voice, I don't notice it. I am lost in the act of reading, just like when reading with your eyes. So I don't worry to much about the voice, jsut as long as it is OK enough to be listenable to..
That's me anyway.
Reading suggestions
Agree with the previous comment. Eloquence is one of the better speech engines to use if you want to read quickly and accurately. The computerized voice is much more crisp and easy to understand at fast reading speeds than any human or human like speech.
Also, as the previous person pointed out, different reading speeds are appropriate for different types of material. If I am reading something more technical as opposed to prose, then every word is important and I listen at a slower speed. Also, if I am "multi-tasking", i.e., reading a book while exercising or cleaning the house, I will listen at lower speeds.
Another time I will lower the reading speed is when listening to a human narrator who has a different accent.
As for readers, I don't think that the Eleven Labs app is good for reading material. It has a limited number of navigation commands, one cannot place bookmarks, etc. I enjoy using Voice Dream Reader for both audio and text based material. The navigation commands can be customized and make it possible to jump back and forth by time or text increments as well as by chapters and sections. There are a variety of voices one can use and the speed can be customized for both audio and text based material.
Yes, it would be nice if it had real buttons like the Victor Reder, but considering that the app runs on your phone which you always have with you and that you don't need a second device for reading, I'm willing to make that compromise.
Oh yes, if you are a U.S. citizen, the Bard Mobile app is great for reading audio books.
Anyway, those are my suggestions for reading. Hope that helps.
--Pete