"What? Stop mumbling. I can't understand you." If you're soft spoken person this is something you've heard all your life. It's not that other people haven't heard this at some point, it's just that you hear it on a day-to-day basis. I understand. I have those struggles too. Here are the struggles all soft spoken people know too well.

"Stop Mumbling"

I didn't know I was mumbling. I really thought I was being clear. The worst part is when people are kind of rude about this. I'm already self conscious about socializing, so when someone is rude about my being soft spoken, it really just makes me want to hide away from the social world all together.

"What?" - for the 5th time in a row

After the first "what" I try to speak up. It's really upsetting when I feel like I'm really projecting my voice and then someone still can't hear me or understand me. This is where I just wave my hand to dismiss whatever comment I was trying to make. People tend to give me odd looks because of this. This situation is even worst in a classroom setting. Being called on by a teacher in front of all of the other students, you not only have to worry about whether you are getting the answer right or wrong, but whether the teacher and other students can even hear you.

"I have something to say."

When you're in a large group of friends you can find that even though you are comfortable with these people, it can still be a challenge to make your voice heard. There could be a really great discussion happening and for once you have an opinion you would like to share, but there are usually louder people who can talk over you even if they don't mean to. It's even more awkward when one person notices you are trying to say something.

They either watch you as you give up or try to get everyone's attention so you can speak. Most times when you actually do get the floor to speak, the conversation has taken a different turn, so what you were going to say is no longer relevant. The worst part is when people try to get you to say it anyway because they feel bad for talking over you, but it just no longer makes sense, so the awkwardness increases. You are left sitting there feeling out of place.

"You never say anything."

Well, it's situations like the one above that cause soft spoken people to remain quiet in the first place. We would rather sit and listen than try and fail at giving our input. We have a lot we could say, but many times we can't work up the projection needed to get our voices heard. Listening and avoiding awkwardness is the preferred method of socializing.

Being soft spoken can be challenging sometimes. We understand that it can also be challenging to deal with us, please bear with us. We are trying our best. Over time things will get better. I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be, but the struggle still exists. Stay strong soft spoken friends. I hear you.