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  "identifier" : "/documentation/AppKit/NSSpeechSynthesizer/startSpeaking(_:)",
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  "title" : "startSpeaking(_:)"
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# startSpeaking(_:)

Begins speaking synthesized text through the system’s default sound output device.

```
func startSpeaking(_ string: String) -> Bool
```

## Parameters

`string`

Text to speak. When `nil` or empty, no synthesis occurs.

## Return Value

<doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/Swift/true> when speaking starts successfully, <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/Swift/false> otherwise.

## Discussion

If the receiver is currently speaking synthesized speech when [`startSpeaking(_:)`](/documentation/AppKit/NSSpeechSynthesizer/startSpeaking(_:)) is called, that process is stopped before `text` is spoken.

When synthesis of `text` finishes normally or is stopped, the message [`speechSynthesizer(_:didFinishSpeaking:)`](/documentation/AppKit/NSSpeechSynthesizerDelegate/speechSynthesizer(_:didFinishSpeaking:)) is sent to the delegate.

---

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