loud talking

[patty8]

This is reference to my self not a child.  Ever since i was a child all of my syblings and i speak loudly.  I have become more and more self conscious about this and it bothers me even to be around my syblings when we are around strangers.  I am sincerely embarassed and would like to know what i can do to learn to speak softer.  I have been told several time by different men in my life that i speak way to loud in person and even when i am on the telephone.  My employment requires an annual physical and my hearing has always tested fine.  However, i was wondering if there could be an underlying problem.  I can't even whisper without someone over hearing my conversation.  Please guide me and help me.  


This discussion is related to loud talking.

[OAPM1]

I grew up in a rather large family, being number 10 out of 11 and I remember that when I was a lot older late teens and 20's I was always being told to stop shouting, whether in the office or on the bus and worse on the telephone.  I still do it and I'm usually the loudest at parties  and my voice bounces off the walls, I dont know your upbringing details but in my case I have concluded that it was more a matter of wanting to be heard over everyone else when I was smaller (and everyone else doing the same thing, all talking at once) and it became a lifetime habit. I conciously try to be aware of how loud I speak but then again people tell me that they cant understand me because I'm mumbling! What to do??

[Sandman2]

I agree with the others.  I think it is a learned response. The trouble is - it will take some effort to unlearn, because it is now basically like breaking a habit.  I do think a speech therapist  could help and give you exercises that you could practice.

[megochick101]

I think you and your family are just used to talking loudly(maybe a lot of siblings so you had to in order to be heard lol) I don't think it's a major problem, i can understand how it could cause embarrassment in public though. I tend to talk louder and louder as i get excited and have had people look over at me like i'm crazy so i understand your concern. lol

You can always have a friend over for dinner sometime and try and practice speaking quietly with them, that way they can help you determine what is maybe too loud? or even better have a group of your friends over to practice with and you can cook them dinner in exchange for them helping you. Plus get some extra time to hang out together lol

[jdtm]

I  don't think it is an underlying problem.  There is one family in my neighbourhood who always spoke loudly.  I don't know why - I suppose the same would be true of families who always tend to whisper.  I think the best thing you can do is be aware of this tendency and try to speak softer.  One other point - I do notice in my own family when some of the family members tend to get excited, they speak louder than usual.  Any other ideas out there?