Speech to large text: turn an iPad into a readable conversation screen

Read the Voice team · 2 min read

An iPad gives spoken words more room. With Read the Voice, you can show a short conversation in adjustable text while the screen stays in front of the person reading it.

There are two useful setups: speak directly into the iPad, or use nearby iPhones as microphones through Tandem. Begin with the simpler setup for your situation.

1. Place the screen for the reader

Rest the iPad securely on a table or stand. Ask the person reading it to choose the position and angle. Check for reflections and leave enough room for them to look up and see the person speaking.

Open Read the Voice and complete the initial permissions, account setup and audio-processing consent. The device making the transcription request needs internet access and available minutes.

2. Try the standalone mode

Choose “Use on its own.” Hold the microphone button while speaking, then release it. Wait for the transcription to appear. This is a complete setup for a short conversation; another phone is optional.

Use the plus and minus controls to change the text size. Try a sentence of normal length rather than just “Hello,” so the reader can judge how comfortably the words fit.

3. Keep each turn manageable

A short sentence or a single idea is a useful starting point. Give the reader time to finish before adding more. If the display becomes crowded, agree before clearing it: the other person may still be reading.

For example, “We’re coming on Sunday after lunch” can be easier to discuss as one turn than a long recording containing the entire weekend plan.

4. Add phones when the family joins

For several people, choose “Display the conversation” on the receiving iPad. Other participants select “Speak into this phone” on their iPhones and request a connection. Approve each new device on the iPad.

The Tandem setup guide explains the shared balance and how to arrange a family conversation.

A few practical limits

Read the Voice displays the result after you release the button and processing finishes. It does not create continuous live captions. Keep the apps open during Tandem use and leave Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. Transcription can contain mistakes, so check anything that matters.

Try this first: place the iPad, choose a comfortable text size together, and transcribe one everyday question.