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??
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.
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
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?