How to Write Emails Faster Using NVDA and ChatGPT
Writing emails with a screen reader can take time. This method shows you how to use NVDA with ChatGPT to write emails quickly and efficiently.
If you are new to NVDA, start with our full step-by-step course:
https://blindaccessibilitytips.com/windows-computer-pc/
What You Need
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- NVDA screen reader running
- A web browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge
- Access to ChatGPT
If you are not yet confident with navigating ChatGPT with your screen reader in general, then check out our first tutorial teaching you how to do just that here:
Step 1: Open ChatGPT
- Open your web browser
- Go to the ChatGPT website by pressing CTRL + L and then typing chatgpt.com
- Wait for the page to fully load
The focus will automatically go to the edit field on the ChatGPT interface and NVDA will make the sound indicating that it is now in focus mode. In this mode, you can type your prompt to the chat bot in this edit field.
Step 2: Write a Clear Prompt
This is the most important step.
Do not type something vague like:
- Write an email
Instead, be specific. Give the AI enough contextual information, as is needed, about the content you want so that it will give you better output. Sometimes, it is also good to ask the AI to act in a particular role, for example as a Marketer or an HR Manager, depending on the situation. This will cause the AI to think and reason more in that capacity.
Example of a prompt with more context:
- Write a professional email to my manager explaining that I will be late to work due to a medical appointment. Keep it polite and concise.
Finish typing your prompt in the edit field and then press Enter.
Step 3: Read the Response with NVDA
Once ChatGPT finishes its thinking process and the response appears, usually it would read out the response automatically with NVDA. However, sometimes it does not. If NVDA does not start reading automatically:
- Press Escape to get out of focus mode
- Press Shift + H to navigate backwards by headings, to get to the beginning of the ChatGPT response
- Use Down Arrow to read by line or CTRL + Down Arrow to read by paragraph
- Or press NVDA + Down Arrow to read continuously
The response will usually include:
- Greeting / salutation
- Main message, the body of the email
- Closing
If you want to learn more about navigating the Internet with your screen reader as a blind or visually impaired person, then check out this lesson in our free course:
https://blindaccessibilitytips.com/webpage-navigation-for-the-blind-or-visually-impaired/
Step 4: Review and Edit the Email
Do not copy the email immediately.
Check the following:
- Tone (formal or casual)
- Names and details
- Accuracy of the message
If you want changes, go back to the edit field and type the adjustments you want in the form of a prompt. You can jump back to the edit field quickly by pressing the letter E. Here are some examples of modifications you can request:
- Make it shorter
- Make it more formal
Then press Enter again to update the email.
Step 5: Copy the Email
When you are satisfied:
- Navigate to the response
- Select the text using Shift + Arrow keys
- Press Control + C to copy
You can also navigate to the end of the ChatGPT response to find the “Copy response” button and press Enter on it. The entire text, including the email plus ChatGPT’s comments, will be added to your clipboard for pasting.
To strengthen your keyboard skills (selection, copying, editing), use our Microsoft Word shortcut reference page:
https://blindaccessibilitytips.com/keystrokes-for-word/
Step 6: Paste into Your Email
- Open your email application
- Create a new message
- Press Control + V to paste
Practice Task
Try writing prompts for:
- A job application email
- A message to a teacher
- A customer support request
The more you practise, the better your results will be.
Why This Matters
What used to take 10 to 15 minutes can now take 1 to 2 minutes.
This is a simple way to improve productivity using NVDA and AI.
Watch the Full Tutorial
Watch the full video here:
Emails Too Slow? Write Faster with NVDA and ChatGPT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uyzTy6KiNg&list=PLUiL9eTW_zG-eFEhwT7qJi3eTbkrd6PQj&index=8