People are always asking me to speak up louder, and some talk over me when I 'm speaking ...is that rude? Is it me? Does that mean I come across as someone who is a doormat or unimportant?
2007-09-20 05:58:27 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It could be that you have a soft voice. Try to speak louder or look directly at the person you are addressing.
I get interrupted too. Sometimes, I pause too long and the other person thinks it's o.k. to jump in. So, when you get a chance, jump back in and say "as I was saying," or "pardon me, Jeff/Jill, I would like to finish my thought."
Interrupting is rude. Sometimes, people aren't aware that the other speaker is still talking.
You are NOT a doormat. You ARE important. Speak a little louder and speak directly at others. Look them in the eyes and say your peace! ;)
2007-09-20 06:08:53 · answer #1 · answered by Lizzie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well Future Lawyer it think if you're being asked to speak up they obviously value your opinion and would like to hear it, so SPEAK UP. You're voice is just soft, you'll have to work on being a little louder. With everyone walking around with Ipods and Bluetooths (teeth?) I think our society is quickly loosing it's hearing. We'll all be yelling at some point.
As far as someone talking over you, you have the power to stop them. Just say, "excuse me but I'd like to finish my point" and then continue. It's rude but some people don't realize that they are doing it.
Good luck
2007-09-20 06:53:37 · answer #2 · answered by tetlitea 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a problem that is more frequently found in women. Typically women are less assertive, so they speak more quietly, and use unassertive language (like, "I thought that maybe if we could try A, that might be good-do you think it is a good idea, too" instead of "I think we should do A; what are your thoughts"). If you want to be heard, you have to project confidence in your voice and body language, and deliver a strong message. Otherwise, you will sound like you actually believe and stand by what you're saying, and then you're leaving the door open for others to talk down/over you, or ignore your message.
2007-09-20 06:35:14 · answer #3 · answered by J N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's you.
You're not coming across as a doormat - you're coming across as a passive-aggressive dictator, cruelly holding everyone hostage with your mousy quiet voice - forcing them to hold their breath to hear you - to the point where people can't hear you for the blood rushing past their eardrums.
If you have been asked to speak up - then you really should speak up. Save the pipsqueak mousy little voice for when you're cuddling with your partner.
Is it rude to speak over you - or completely ignore you? Technically yes, but since they can't hear you anyway - and apparently you haven't exactly tried to accommodate them to get your point across - well..... fill in the rest...
I suggest you join toastmasters. They are a great organization for public speaking. You'll learn how to deliver your message with authority and strength - while maintaining your dignity and poise.
2007-09-20 06:46:03 · answer #4 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if you already have a problem with speaking then it's only going to get worse when you are an attorney. Learn to speak/project your voice now it's important if you want to be taken seriously.
2007-09-20 06:09:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no u are like me a person with a quiet vioce. i get told to speak up all the time. no it doesn't mean that just means that people can't hear u properly and they should ask because what if they don't get something right bcause they can't hear u. i think it is rude though if they talk over u.
2007-09-20 06:04:56 · answer #6 · answered by LINDSEY S 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are a low talker, try to project your voice a little more.
As for someone talking over you, I would say "hold that thought" while raising your finger. They will get the message. They are being rude.
2007-09-20 06:03:35 · answer #7 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try to pay attention to how loud you are speaking. If you find that you are speaking to low then start to be loud. As for people interrupting you when you are speaking, I would be more aggressive and let them know that they need to wait their turn until you have finished saying what you were saying.
2007-09-20 06:52:26 · answer #8 · answered by lremmell64 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might take voice lessons. Just learn to project yourself a bit. It is probably that you just need to speak a bit louder.
2007-09-20 06:14:56 · answer #9 · answered by PROBLEM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. If you mumble or speak quietly, it can be aggravating to the listener and make you look like you have a low opinion of yourself.
If this really happens a lot, you may want to get your hearing checked.
2007-09-20 06:28:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋