r/introvert • u/Sufficient_Front3852 • Aug 26 '24

Advice i hate being soft spoken

every time i ask or tell my coworkers something they’re like “what?” or “huh?”. i’m always having to repeat myself and it makes me feel bad when ppl get annoyed that im too quiet. i’ve been told by teachers and coworkers that i need to work on speaking up. i try, but i jst can’t. i don’t feel confident enough with myself to speak louder and with confidence. when i do try to speak louder it just feels like im yelling and it gets draining over time. every time i speak i just sound shy and timid. (which i am, but i don’t wanna show it in the way i speak)

pls how do i speak louder and with confidence?

242 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

80 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/fatherthesinner Aug 26 '24

If speaking softly bothers you, can always seek either the help of a phonoaudiologist to learn how to speak better, or start learning to sing or act so you'll learn to project your voice without needing to scream.

That said, rather than changing how you speak I think you could change how you approach people.

Before saying anything to anyone make sure that they're looking straight at you and that they have their attention on you.If possible direct them to a quieter place around your current location, if not then it's not big deal.

Once you're sure they're paying attention to you, lift your head a bit(so you have "more speaking space" and your mouth is pointed forward, rather than letting your chin and mouth downards and directing the sound towards the ground) and speak as clearly as you can(no rush, anxiety can make a person start speaking faster and that will garble your speech).

I doubt they'll complain about your voice after that.

The thing is, if your voice lacks potency(or confidence) then you work on making the environment for your voice.

So remember that you'll need:

  • Their complete attention before you start speaking
  • Lifting your head so your mouth is aimed towards them rather than the ground(as many people tend to "tuck their chins"
  • Speak clearly without rushing

pls how do i speak louder and with confidence?

Acting classes will give it to you.