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nix-plist-manager

Read & Speak

Everything under System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak, as Nix options. Each one is named after the control you'd click, and set under programs.nix-plist-manager.options in home-manager.

24 options 17 verified against System Settings

Accessibility Reader

Section titled “Accessibility Reader”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Accessibility Reader

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.accessibilityReader.enable = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkeyEnabled

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkeyEnabled -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkeyEnabled -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkeyEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkeyEnabled -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkeyEnabled -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkeyEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkeyEnabled 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkeyEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

Detect languages

Section titled “Detect languages”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Detect languages

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.detectLanguages = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess detectLanguagesEnabled

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess detectLanguagesEnabled -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess detectLanguagesEnabled -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess detectLanguagesEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess detectLanguagesEnabled -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess detectLanguagesEnabled -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess detectLanguagesEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess detectLanguagesEnabled 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess detectLanguagesEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

Pronunciations

Section titled “Pronunciations”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Pronunciations

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.pronunciations = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess pronunciationsEnabledKey

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess pronunciationsEnabledKey -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess pronunciationsEnabledKey -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess pronunciationsEnabledKey 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess pronunciationsEnabledKey -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess pronunciationsEnabledKey -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess pronunciationsEnabledKey 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess pronunciationsEnabledKey 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess pronunciationsEnabledKey 2>/dev/null || true

Speak announcements

Section titled “Speak announcements”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak announcements

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakAnnouncements = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakTextFlag

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakTextFlag -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakTextFlag -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakTextFlag 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakTextFlag -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakTextFlag -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakTextFlag 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakTextFlag 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakTextFlag 2>/dev/null || true

Speak item under the pointer

Section titled “Speak item under the pointer”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak item under the pointer

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakItemUnderThePointer = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseEnabled

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseEnabled -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseEnabled -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseEnabled -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseEnabled -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseEnabled 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

Speak selection

Section titled “Speak selection”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak selection

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakSelection = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionEnabled
  • com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyFlag

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionEnabled -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionEnabled -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyFlag -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyFlag -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionEnabled 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyFlag 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionEnabled -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionEnabled -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyFlag -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyFlag -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionEnabled 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyFlag 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionEnabled 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyFlag 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionEnabled 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyFlag 2>/dev/null || true

Speak typing feedback

Section titled “Speak typing feedback”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak typing feedback

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakTypingFeedback = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoEnabled

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoEnabled -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoEnabled -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoEnabled -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoEnabled -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoEnabled 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoEnabled 2>/dev/null || true

System speech language

Section titled “System speech language”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › System speech language

home-manager · per user Not verified

"Use System Language", or a language code such as "en" or "nl".

applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.systemSpeechLanguage = "Use System Language";

Text "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.SpeakSelection TTSSettingsSystemLanguageOverride

For Use System Language:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.SpeakSelection TTSSettingsSystemLanguageOverride -string __com.apple.AXSettingRecord.nilSentinel__ || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.SpeakSelection TTSSettingsSystemLanguageOverride -string __com.apple.AXSettingRecord.nilSentinel__' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.SpeakSelection TTSSettingsSystemLanguageOverride 2>/dev/null || true

For en:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.SpeakSelection TTSSettingsSystemLanguageOverride -string en || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.SpeakSelection TTSSettingsSystemLanguageOverride -string en' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.SpeakSelection TTSSettingsSystemLanguageOverride 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.SpeakSelection TTSSettingsSystemLanguageOverride 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.SpeakSelection TTSSettingsSystemLanguageOverride 2>/dev/null || true

Speak typing feedback (i)

Section titled “Speak typing feedback (i)”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak typing feedback (i)

home-manager · per user Not verified 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.typingFeedback = {
  characters = true;
  modifierKeys = true;
  selectionChanges = true;
  words = true;
};

An attribute set of flags, each true, false or left out: "characters""modifierKeys""selectionChanges""words" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoOptions

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoOptions 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoOptions 2>/dev/null || true

For { characters = true; modifierKeys = true; selectionChanges = true; words = true; }:

        current=$(/usr/bin/defaults read com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoOptions 2>/dev/null || echo 5)
        case "$current" in ""|*[!0-9-]*) current=0 ;; esac
        /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoOptions -int "$(( (current & ~29) | 29 ))" || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoOptions -int "$(( (current & ~29) | 29 ))"' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess typingEchoOptions 2>/dev/null || true

System voice

Section titled “System voice”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › System voice

home-manager · per user Not verified 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.voices = "/path/to/snapshot";

A directory captured with nix run …#capture — see Snapshots "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedVoiceID
  • com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedVoiceCreator
  • com.apple.Accessibility SpokenContentDefaultVoiceSelectionsByLanguage

For /path/to/snapshot:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedVoiceID 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults import com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs /path/to/snapshot/announcementVoice.plist || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults import com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs /path/to/snapshot/announcementVoice.plist' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedVoiceCreator 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults import com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs /path/to/snapshot/announcementVoiceCreator.plist || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults import com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs /path/to/snapshot/announcementVoiceCreator.plist' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.Accessibility SpokenContentDefaultVoiceSelectionsByLanguage 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults import com.apple.Accessibility /path/to/snapshot/spokenContent.plist || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults import com.apple.Accessibility /path/to/snapshot/spokenContent.plist' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedVoiceID 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedVoiceCreator 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.Accessibility SpokenContentDefaultVoiceSelectionsByLanguage 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedVoiceID 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedVoiceCreator 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.Accessibility SpokenContentDefaultVoiceSelectionsByLanguage 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedVoiceID 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedVoiceCreator 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.Accessibility SpokenContentDefaultVoiceSelectionsByLanguage 2>/dev/null || true

Accessibility Reader (i)

Section titled “Accessibility Reader (i)”

Automatically apply formatting

Section titled “Automatically apply formatting”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Accessibility Reader (i) › Automatically apply formatting

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.accessibilityReader.automaticallyApplyFormatting = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.Accessibility AccessibilityReaderContentCleanUpBehavior

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.Accessibility AccessibilityReaderContentCleanUpBehavior -string never || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.Accessibility AccessibilityReaderContentCleanUpBehavior -string never' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.Accessibility AccessibilityReaderContentCleanUpBehavior 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.Accessibility AccessibilityReaderContentCleanUpBehavior -string always || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.Accessibility AccessibilityReaderContentCleanUpBehavior -string always' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.Accessibility AccessibilityReaderContentCleanUpBehavior 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.Accessibility AccessibilityReaderContentCleanUpBehavior 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.Accessibility AccessibilityReaderContentCleanUpBehavior 2>/dev/null || true

Autoplay in Accessibility Reader

Section titled “Autoplay in Accessibility Reader”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Accessibility Reader (i) › Autoplay in Accessibility Reader

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.accessibilityReader.autoplay = true;

true or false "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderAutoStartSpeaking

For false:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderAutoStartSpeaking -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderAutoStartSpeaking -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderAutoStartSpeaking 2>/dev/null || true

For true:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderAutoStartSpeaking -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderAutoStartSpeaking -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderAutoStartSpeaking 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderAutoStartSpeaking 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderAutoStartSpeaking 2>/dev/null || true

Accessibility Reader shortcuts

Section titled “Accessibility Reader shortcuts”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Accessibility Reader (i) › Accessibility Reader shortcuts

home-manager · per user Not verified 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.accessibilityReader.shortcuts = "/path/to/snapshot";

A directory captured with nix run …#capture — see Snapshots "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkey

For /path/to/snapshot:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkey 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults import com.apple.universalaccess /path/to/snapshot/hotKey.plist || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults import com.apple.universalaccess /path/to/snapshot/hotKey.plist' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkey 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkey 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess AccessibilityReaderHotkey 2>/dev/null || true

Speak announcements (i)

Section titled “Speak announcements (i)”

Delay

Section titled “Delay”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak announcements (i) › Delay

home-manager · per user Not verified

Seconds before an alert is announced.

applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakAnnouncementsOptions.delay = 0.0;

A number from 0 to 60 "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsStartDelay

For 0.0:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsStartDelay -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsStartDelay -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsStartDelay 2>/dev/null || true

For 60.0:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsStartDelay -float 60.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsStartDelay -float 60.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsStartDelay 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsStartDelay 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsStartDelay 2>/dev/null || true

Phrase

Section titled “Phrase”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak announcements (i) › Phrase

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakAnnouncementsOptions.phrase = "Alert!";

One of: "Alert!""Application Name""Attention!""Excuse me!""Next in Phrase List""Pardon me!""Random from Phrase List" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex
  • com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag
  • com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy

For Alert!:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy 2>/dev/null || true

For Application Name:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool false || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool false' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy 2>/dev/null || true

For Attention!:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy 2>/dev/null || true

For Excuse me!:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex -int 2 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex -int 2' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy 2>/dev/null || true

For Next in Phrase List:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy 2>/dev/null || true

For Pardon me!:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex -int 3 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex -int 3' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy 2>/dev/null || true

For Random from Phrase List:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool true || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag -bool true' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy -int 2 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy -int 2' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSelectedPhraseIndex 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsSpeakPhraseFlag 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs TalkingAlertsPhraseSelectionStrategy 2>/dev/null || true

Speak item under the pointer (i)

Section titled “Speak item under the pointer (i)”

After delay

Section titled “After delay”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak item under the pointer (i) › After delay

home-manager · per user Not verified

Seconds the pointer rests on an item before it's spoken.

applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakItemUnderThePointerOptions.afterDelay = 0.0;

A number from 0 to 5 "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayTime

For 0.0:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayTime -float 0.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayTime -float 0.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayTime 2>/dev/null || true

For 5.0:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayTime -float 5.000000 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayTime -float 5.000000' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayTime 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayTime 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayTime 2>/dev/null || true

Speak item under the pointer

Section titled “Speak item under the pointer”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak item under the pointer (i) › Speak item under the pointer

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakItemUnderThePointerOptions.speak = "Always";

One of: "Always""Only when zoomed" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayMode

For Always:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayMode -int 2 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayMode -int 2' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayMode 2>/dev/null || true

For Only when zoomed:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayMode -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayMode -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayMode 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayMode 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseAfterDelayMode 2>/dev/null || true

Speech verbosity

Section titled “Speech verbosity”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak item under the pointer (i) › Speech verbosity

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakItemUnderThePointerOptions.speechVerbosity = "High";

One of: "High""Low""Medium" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseVerbosity

For High:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseVerbosity -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseVerbosity -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseVerbosity 2>/dev/null || true

For Low:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseVerbosity -int 2 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseVerbosity -int 2' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseVerbosity 2>/dev/null || true

For Medium:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseVerbosity -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseVerbosity -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseVerbosity 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseVerbosity 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakItemUnderMouseVerbosity 2>/dev/null || true

Speak selection (i)

Section titled “Speak selection (i)”

Highlight content

Section titled “Highlight content”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak selection (i) › Highlight content

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakSelectionOptions.highlightContent = "None";

One of: "None""Sentences""Words""Words and Sentences" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions

For None:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions 2>/dev/null || true

For Sentences:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions -int 2 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions -int 2' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions 2>/dev/null || true

For Words:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions 2>/dev/null || true

For Words and Sentences:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions -int 3 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions -int 3' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionHighlightOptions 2>/dev/null || true

Keyboard shortcut

Section titled “Keyboard shortcut”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak selection (i) › Keyboard shortcut

home-manager · per user Not verified

A key code plus modifier values (⌘ 256, ⇧ 512, ⌥ 2048, ⌃ 4096); the default ⌥Esc is 2101.

applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakSelectionOptions.keyboardShortcut = 0;

A number from 0 to 65535 "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyCombo

For 0:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyCombo -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyCombo -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyCombo 2>/dev/null || true

For 65535:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyCombo -int 65535 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyCombo -int 65535' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyCombo 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyCombo 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.speech.synthesis.general.prefs SpokenUIUseSpeakingHotKeyCombo 2>/dev/null || true

Sentence color

Section titled “Sentence color”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak selection (i) › Sentence color

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakSelectionOptions.sentenceColor = "Blue";

One of: "Blue""Default""Green""Yellow" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor

For Blue:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Default:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Green:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor -int 3 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor -int 3' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Yellow:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor -int 2 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor -int 2' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

Sentence style

Section titled “Sentence style”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak selection (i) › Sentence style

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakSelectionOptions.sentenceStyle = "Background color";

One of: "Background color""Underline" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceStyle

For Background color:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceStyle -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceStyle -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceStyle 2>/dev/null || true

For Underline:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceStyle -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceStyle -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceStyle 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceStyle 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionSentenceStyle 2>/dev/null || true

Show controller

Section titled “Show controller”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak selection (i) › Show controller

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakSelectionOptions.showController = "Always";

One of: "Always""Automatically""Never" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess spokenContentControllerMode

For Always:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess spokenContentControllerMode -int 2 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess spokenContentControllerMode -int 2' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess spokenContentControllerMode 2>/dev/null || true

For Automatically:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess spokenContentControllerMode -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess spokenContentControllerMode -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess spokenContentControllerMode 2>/dev/null || true

For Never:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess spokenContentControllerMode -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess spokenContentControllerMode -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess spokenContentControllerMode 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess spokenContentControllerMode 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess spokenContentControllerMode 2>/dev/null || true

Word color

Section titled “Word color”

System Settings › Accessibility › Read & Speak › Speak selection (i) › Word color

home-manager · per user ✓ Verified on macOS 27 
applications.systemSettings.accessibility.readAndSpeak.speakSelectionOptions.wordColor = "Blue";

One of: "Blue""Default""Green""Yellow" "unset" puts back macOS's default.

Where it's stored and what runs
  • com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor

For Blue:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor -int 1 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor -int 1' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Default:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor -int 0 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor -int 0' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Green:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor -int 3 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor -int 3' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For Yellow:

/usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor -int 2 || echo 'nix-plist-manager: failed: /usr/bin/defaults write com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor -int 2' >&2
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true

For unset:

/usr/bin/defaults delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true
/usr/bin/defaults -currentHost delete com.apple.universalaccess speakSelectionWordHighlightColor 2>/dev/null || true