def speak(message, voice = :Alex, rate = 175)
      Thread.new { applescript "say #{message.inspect} using #{voice.to_s.inspect} speaking rate #{rate}" }
    end
#
Speak _message_ using _voice_ at a speaking rate of _rate_

Voice defaults to 'Alex', which is one of the better voices.
Speaking rate defaults to 175 words per minute

=== Examples

speak 'What is your favorite food? '
food = ask 'favorite food?: '
speak "Wow, I like #{food} too. We have so much in common."
speak "I like #{food} as well!", "Victoria", 190

=== Notes

* MacOS only