A device is provided, which, ancillary to functionality means (used in normal operation) comprises message reproduction means. The message reproduction means as they are used for example in providing on line help information or in rendering annotations to visually displayed information render in speech form a message which elaborates an aspect current in the functionality means. In order to reduce the time needed to locate a desired passage in the message, the device allows the user selectively to activate the message reproduction means for rendering said message in speech form at least either according to a first standard velocity or to a second, time saving velocity.

An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus, a determining device provided in the image forming apparatus for determining the states of the image forming apparatus, a generator provided in the image forming apparatus for generating a signal to be transmitted to the exterior of the image forming apparatus indicating the states of the image forming apparatus determined by the determining device, a plurality of receivers provided independently of the image forming apparatus each for receiving a signal generated by the generator, and a selector provided in the image forming apparatus for selecting at least one of the receivers to which the signal generated by the generator is to be transmitted in accordance with the determining of the determining device.

A voice output device includes a processor for setting a time limit for waiting for the performing of a key input operation. The device also includes a timer for measuring a waiting time for the performing of a key input operation to detect the lapse of the time limit. The device further includes voice processing circuitry for outputting voice instructions to the operator when the lapse of the time limit is detected by the timer.