In order to prevent or reduce setting errors, a speech output of information concerning the contents of settings is produced so that important setting information can be output as speech to users. The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for outputting setting information via speech, the apparatus and method including changing a plurality of preset setting values based on user input, detecting changes in the setting values, determining a priority according to which setting information is to be output as speech according to the detected changes, and producing a speech output of the setting information according to the priority.