If you were born with a soft-spoken voice, you know that having quiet vocal cords comes with a fair share of struggles. From people assuming that you're mute to being called a mime, the list, unfortunately, can be quite lengthy. Constant interruptions, accusations about the way you talk, and feeling invisible are occurrences you may frequently have to deal with when you have a soft-spoken voice. However, those who are blessed/cursed with a quiet speaking voice know that, at the end of the day, the ones who love us will learn to embrace us -- librarian-whisper and all.
This one goes out to my fellow mimes, mice, and librarians. I present to you, 11 Struggles of the Soft-Spoken.
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1. Repeating yourself
"What did you say?" "I still couldn't hear you." "Say that one more time." These are all phrases people who talk quietly hear on an hourly basis. If it wasn't heard the fourth time, is it even worth the fifth?
2. No one hears your humor
You chime into a conversation with the perfect joke, but no one cracks a smile. You assume it's just a tough crowd, but then you realize no one even heard it. Maybe you should just repeat it. Well, now they've changed topics. Just forget it.
3.Your wise words sometimes go unnoticed
You have a lot of relevant and interesting things to contribute to conversations, but no one hears them. Their loss, I guess.
4. Your stories get cut short
You've waited all night to tell that famous story and right when you get to the climax, someone barges in and steals your thunder. Thanks, Kanye.
5. Being told to "talk louder"
What if I were to reverse it back on you and say "hear better?" Clever, right?
6. Being told to "scream"
OK, I really will scream if you keep saying that.
7. Being referred to as a mouse
I'm 5-foot-10. Mouse really isn't the word I would use.
8. "You talk so quiet"
I'm aware of this, but thank you for re-emphasizing it one more time for me. It almost slipped my mind. Almost.
9. "Why haven't you been talking?"
I'm guessing you didn't hear me tell that
10. Telling a joke that no one hears
Followed by someone else saying it and taking the credit for it.
11. People laughing when you try to raise your voice
You can't hear me, but if you could, you'd know I mean business.
So if you find yourself having to repeat everything you say, and if you have to do a "Sharpay scream" just to be heard, know that you are not alone. When no one else hears you, I do.
