Q&A for How to Talk More Often When You're Quiet

If you're naturally very quiet, it's important to develop your voice. For instance, you might work on tongue twisters, read poetry out loud, or take an improv class. If you're struggling to do this on your own, it can be very helpful to work with a speech coach or voice therapist.

The best thing that you can do is to remind yourself that the past is in the past and you need to move forward. Think about what you regretted saying and decide if you need to find a way to avoid repeating the same type of thing. If it really wasn't anything inappropriate, etc., then stop blaming yourself and focus on what you did add to the conversation.

It's probably best to start off by practicing speaking as often as you can. Read aloud to yourself and others who you trust. Even singing to music aloud might help you to relax and improve your ability to speak smoothly. And, you could always consider speaking with a speech therapist for additional tips.

Remember that saying the wrong thing is not the end of the world. It happens to everybody sometimes. People forget all about it almost immediately (unless you've said something really hurtful or offensive, which you probably wouldn't).

Try practicing a lot at home with your friends and family members. Before you get up to do your speech, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you know what you're doing. Before you know it, you'll be up on stage receiving a round of applause!