Abstract: A bar code reading speech synthesis device is disclosed which includes means for reading a bar code and accessing internal or external memory to supply speech data to a speech synthesizer device based upon the bar code numerical value. Readily and easily changeable memory modules including synthesized speech data developed to accompany corresponding printed lesson plans are also disclosed. The lesson plans, coupled with the speech synthesizer data, provide audible voicing of words and/or audible spelling of the words from the lesson plan. Various other features included in the speech synthesizer device include automatic power down circuitry, self-diagnostics, volume control, and extended diagnostics for testing the functionality of the device. A base.sub.32 addressing scheme is employed to verify memory data as corresponding with bar codes wanded into the device.