My husband came home from work today very frustrated and restless. He went to a meeting comprised of approximately 60 business people. There was a microphone for attendees to speak into when they asked or answered a question. Dozens of the 60 attendees did NOT speak loud enough to be heard. Speakers were asked repeatedly to repeat what they had said, louder and more directly into the microphone. How irritating is that?

I realize that some people are not comfortable speaking in public, but this was not a one person presentation. (Obviously I am not shy or I would not be a children’s book author who travels around to schools and uses ridiculous cartoon voices in my presentations in front of hundreds of kids and adults.) But as adults, shouldn’t we be able to literally speak loud enough to be heard? I don’t get it.

I have always been outgoing and used to pray when I was a kid that I could be shy. It never worked. I admire shy people for keeping quiet when I cannot. I always used to think shy people thought I was an idiot for talking too much. But I have had several people explain to me that introverts like to be around extroverts so they don’t have to do the talking themselves. Should I be offended by that?

I am getting off subject here a bit. The bottom line is that if you have something to say, say it loud enough so everyone who is listening can hear it. If you cannot speak up, perhaps it is better to not speak. That seems like a shame to me, since everyone knows something about something and can make the world a better place by sharing that with someone. Are you getting some of this some of the time?

There are organizations that help people get over their fear of speaking like Toastmasters. I have heard a lot of good things about that organization bringing people out of their shells. Check it out if you are one who sweats bullets or get stomach cramps at the thought of speaking into a microphone in front of strangers. If not for yourself than do it for your children. You don’t want them to not be able to be heard, and you’ll be setting a good example.

I hope you heard what I said loud and clear.

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