how do i know if i'm too loud?

[darkclaw3000]

i've been having this problem that i realized only recently.

sometimes when i talk to my friends, they will say to me "hey u dont have to talk so loud!" when i actually thought i was at a normal comfortable volume.

because of that, i start think that may be why i can't sing for so long because of my volume being too loud.

how do i check if im too loud when singing? esp in the jamming room practicing with my band, i try my very best to maintain a low volume but i'm not sure if im still being too loud..

thanks!

[Negoba]

If you're talking too loud during normal conversation, need to get your hearing checked. Most common reason for vocalizing too loud in any situation is inability to hear yourself.

But in a music situation, well I just posted a similar question so I'll leave that to more experienced folks.

[darkclaw3000]

negoba - thx! i was thinkin that may be my problem actually.. should i go to an ENT specialist?? i mean its expensive.. or will a normal doctor suffice?

owen - i think i know what u mean, especially about feeling "rubbery/floaty".. i think i will start speaking softer n monitor how the ppl ard me react. thx!!

[VideoHere]

You have to learn to feel how loud you are. Because when you speak, your perception of how loud you are may be distorted because everyone's voice sounds different inside their own head. And when you sing at band practice, you're amplified and that changes the volume.

The louder you are, the heavier your voice will feel inside your throat. When it feels like a brick, you are too loud. When you're at a good speaking and singing volume it will feel slightly rubbery or floaty. So listen and feel and figure out how your voice feels at various volumes and then you can monitor how loud you are through that. If you want to be quieter, try to remind yourself to use slightly less effort to speak or sing than you normally do.

"The louder you are, the heavier your voice will feel inside your throat."

owen, i think the above depends on the particular singer's voice and voice weight. you can sing pretty friggin' loud and still feel like the voice is floating if you are projecting well and resonating optimally.

if you're open and tension free as possible, all things considered, you can really wail.

[Mr Bounce]

I think if you have something important to say, then say it, and if it's not important than don't anything at all. So I've been trying to support my speaking voice better lately and I've found that I sound better, am a more effective communicator and I don't blow my voice out from talking all day.

What's that saying about good speech should be half sung?

[darkclaw3000]

thank u everyone for the helpful comments.

i agree with Owen here. i think its due to me having a bad habit of talking too loud. either that, or my hearing needs to be checked.

mr. bounce - i will follow your advice. i dont really talk things that are really unnecessary, but when i do, it just came out loud. haha. i definitely will try to remember ur tip!

[VideoHere]

just always remind youself like i have to...there's a difference between loud and resonant.

[Negoba]

Regular doctor's offices may or may not have a simple hearing test, but they will almost certainly send you to an audiologist for a complete hearing test. If you can, just eliminate the middle man.