So You Want TeamSpeak to Talk to You

TeamSpeak (TS) has the ability to speak to you.  It can tell you that "Xerxes" has entered the channel, or "John" has left the server, etc.  This feature is particularly helpful if you do not have two monitors and TS needs to run in the background behind Neverwinter.  This feature is client based, so each person decides whether or not they want to turn it on.  To use this feature:

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Create a bookmark if you are not already using one and enter the following settings.  Otherwise, manage your bookmark and enter the following settings.

1. Bookmarks menu, "Add to Bookmarks"
2. Click the "Go Advanced" link at the bottom to the left of the OK button.  This will bring up more options.
3. Bookmark Name: Alliance
   Or whatever you want to call it
4. Nickname: Xerxes
   Enter the name you want to see appear for you when you are on TS, do not put any tags on it such as [GT][SoS][TCA] etc.  These automatically appear when a server admin grants you privileges.  If you put your own, you probably will fool the server admins, and they won't grant you any rights.
5. Phonetic Nickname: Zerk-zees
   Enter your nickname as in #4, but instead spell it as it would sound.  Many names will be just fine, but if you have non-English name with a different pronunciation, or a name with special characters, you will need to do your best to write it phonetically.  This is how TS will try to say the name so that it is meaningful to everyone who uses Text to Speech.  Again, only enter the name, no tags or other text.  Use the "Self" menu, "Set Phonetic Nickname" and you can try spellings out, press play, and find one you like.
6. Server Address: ghosttemplars.teamspeak3.com
7. Put a check in the final checkbox called "Connect on Startup," if you want TS to always startup using this bookmark.  By using this bookmark, you will not have to enter all of the above settings each time you launch the application.  This is super convenient.  If you don't see the checkbox, go back to step 2, and make sure you "Go Advanced."
8. Click OK to save these settings.

HOW TO SETUP TEXT TO SPEECH

1. Tools menu, "Options," select "Notifications" on the left.
2. Change the Sound Pack to "Default Text To Speech"
   Notice the "Get more soundpacks" link just above the apply button.  If you want a different soundpack, it is highly advisable that you use this link and only download soundpacks from reputable and well known sources.  You don't want to download a soundpack that is a Trojan virus or other malware, you don't want a keylogger that could harvest your login and get your game hacked.  Use only reputable companies for soundpacks.
3. Select "Playback" on the left, and notice the two volume sliders.  The second is the "Sound Pack Volume," and you can lower this so that TS will make its announcement softly and won't overpower all the other voices in your TS channel.  I set mine to -37.0 dB, which is less than 10% of the slider.  Everyone's computer, headset, etc. is different, so find a happy place for you.
4. Click OK to save these settings.
5. VERY IMPORTANT: Now close the application completely and relaunch it.  All done, have fun with it!

Thank you to Nasali and the many others in TS that helped during the implementation of the Text to Speech feature!

by John@nevertoad