Some people just naturally speak loudly, and it’s more than just habit—it’s a window into their personality and cultural background. Have you ever wondered why certain voices always rise above the chatter? The truth lies not only in what is said but in how it is expressed. Psychologists have uncovered fascinating reasons behind this loud way of communicating, revealing that it says a lot about who we are and where we come from.
What psychology reveals about why people talk loudly
Speaking loudly is often more than a simple choice; it can be deeply rooted in both cultural norms and emotional states. In some countries like Spain and Greece, raising one’s voice during conversation is common and perfectly normal. It’s part of the social fabric and is rarely seen as unusual. On the other hand, in many English-speaking countries, conversations tend to be calm and measured, and loud voices might be viewed differently.
Psychologists suggest that some people talk loudly because they want to attract attention or make sure they are heard in noisy environments. That’s something many of us have experienced at crowded concerts or bustling restaurants where the background noise forces us to raise our voices. Beyond practicality, it often happens under strong emotions. When someone is excited, angry, or passionate, their voice naturally becomes louder and more intense, reflecting the feelings within.
Loud talking and personality traits uncovered by psychology
Our voice does more than carry words; it mirrors layers of our personality. People who consistently talk loudly often have an extraverted nature. If you know someone who fills the room with their presence and enthusiasm, their loud voice might be a sign of their joy in social interaction. It’s like their verbal energy spills out without control, signaling engagement and warmth.
However, psychologists also point out that speaking loudly can be linked to an anxious personality. Stress and anxiety affect the muscles controlling our vocal cords, sometimes causing the voice to rise unintentionally when emotions flare. I remember once attending a community event where a usually soft-spoken person suddenly started speaking loudly. It was clear they were under pressure and trying to assert control. The change in volume was their way of coping with inner tension, showing how complex the connection between voice and emotion can be.
Why tone matters and how it shapes our social interactions
The way we use our voice, including its volume, carries heavy social weight. In some cultures, talking loudly is seen as impolite or aggressive—take England, for example. Speaking loudly in public there may be considered rude or disrespectful, compared to countries where volume equals passion and friendliness. Modulating your voice according to the situation and setting is essential to avoid misunderstandings or discomfort.
Lack of control over voice volume can sometimes make others feel uneasy, even if that’s not your intention. Psychologists remind us that being aware of our vocal tone can help maintain positive communication, especially in sensitive or formal settings. Even when emotions run high, trying to keep your voice in check can foster better connections and reduce social friction.
Reflecting on these insights has helped me become more mindful of how I speak. Noticing when I excessively raise my voice and why allows me to better understand my feelings and how others perceive me. Have you noticed moments when your own voice betrayed your emotions? Or what about people around you—does their volume tell stories you wouldn’t hear otherwise?
I’m curious: how do you feel about loud talkers? Does it energize you, or put you on edge? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s get a conversation going on how our voices shape our world—and maybe learn a thing or two from each other’s stories! Don’t hesitate to pass this article along to friends who love a good chat.
This is a good article and i appreciate it. I personally like peace and a moderate tone of voice is okay. When people or family members are talking extremely loud, I don’t like it and I try to move away from them. My ears are sensitive so I don’t understand why someone has to talk that loudly when the people they are talking to are right there by them. I feel sometimes it is to attention grab, express arrogance, and not simply to have a conversation (based on some if the things they say). There are oftentimes other underlying issues going on with some people: maybe insecurities or other internal problems. I hope if they need help they receive it.
I’m basically a very calm person. I get panic attacks if someone is using their loud voice to scare or intimate me. Loudness can be a way of getting attention. For me a calm voice is more respectful. And shows compassion.
Me naturally i speak loud because that’s how my mum speaks so I find it difficult to speak less
Yeah Ameerah! We are on the same page. I speak loudly too especially when I am angry or need to be listened to.
It’s a part of me that I don’t think I can even consciously undo.
Interesting article about speaking! Good that cultural differences was mentioned. In my home town there were many Italians & Greeks. It is a railroad town where the town folks were employed. In my family it was know as Carshop ears. In a big family of Italians siblings spoke loudly & it was only offensive if your loud voice would cause harm. We expressed ourselves in a happy & jovial tone . In theater you are trained to speak to the back row as to project your voice
Don’t blame your mother
Exactly. That’s just the way I’ve always talked. I can’t change it. That’s how my vocal chords function. People don’t like it, too bad.
Self-centred
Think of yourself only
Way to go
I speak loudly, my mother was same and so my whole family. I don’t know why, I dont have panic attacks or anxiety or anything alleying me but hate to speak like an whispering especially in restaurant. Unfortunately, it bothers people, am not going to apologize for who I am.
I find Loud Talkers annoying. They usually sit behind me in the movie theatre. I dont believe it when people say they cannot control the volume of their voice. Yes you can if you want too. You like the sound of your own voice and what you have to say. That is the real reason you talk loud.
Or maybe they are hearing is not as good and they’re thinking other people can’t hear but to assume that they’re arrogant. I think it’s really rude on your part. I find it confusing how you seem to say you understand but you call someone arrogant if they’re an attention monger yeah I agree with you but try to be a little bit more sensitive and I get you have sensitive hearing, but you might want to see how they view you as well
You are exactly correct in the saying that. I was born with no tubes in my ears, and I was considered legally dead.
Most my childhood I had many surgeries on both ears, coupled with constant ear infections my ear drums are scared.
Which now has prevented me from being able to hear certain high and low frequencies.
I am one of those that can’t always judge how loud my voice is sometimes, and when I get told to quiet down when I’m talking it is quite embarrassing. Especially when it happens in the presence of a group of ppl.
I was born with such sensitive hearing, that I cringe all the time when I hear loud talkers. I know there is a variety of reasons why people talk loudly; from attention seekers, to hearing loss, to get control of a convo, and more. Personally, I wish people could, no pun intended, tune into their audience better and pattern their level to match the other people/ person in each setting. I literally have to wear ear plugs almost all the time. Amazingly, I’ve gone to so many concerts and been right next to the stage and have had no hearing loss. I’m 59. I think acute hearing might be my penance. Lol
Your situation is probably a small percentage (an outlier perhaps?)
In that case, me too! I have to wear earplugs just to watch tv sometimes!!
Me, too! I came here to write about needing tubes in ears and how much the ear problems affect my own tone of voice and how others hear me. I’m either too quiet, or too loud. It shapes communication on multiple levels, and it’s actually more common than it is discussed.
I didn’t realise until recently how quietly I spoke. I’ve never been overly loud, preferring to chat rather than announce.
Loud voices do bother me. I’ve nothing wrong with my ears, I can hear you perfectly well, can you *please turn down your volume!* (* that’s me shouting!)
When I’m in a busy place, I do up my tone as I don’t want my friends to have to constantly ask to repeat, and I respect that. But please, don’t assume we’re being “rude”. That’s just… rude.
That is what I have also experienced. Sometimes they are speaking loudly to let others in the room find out about things (tatal-tailing) without spreading gossip to each person around the room individually.
There are some people that intentionally talk loud and cut other people off so they are the ones in the room to stay noticed. Otherwise I’m ok with someone talking loud because it’s better than someone who talks so low you have to either keep asking what they said or just blindly nod along.
Attention seeking, disrespectful, self-centered, toxic.
Load is a shout out “look at me”. Look who must sit up with me, and then it’s like, get a room or something.
not always. I have always had hearing problems and have always talked loud. What you say is very hateful.
I’m Deaf culturally wise
Not a day goes by when my family tells me to shhhh!
I cannot control the voice level of my voice
All I hear is my voice. Whether it’s loud or low
I cannot tell the difference
Before people judge. Get to know them first !!!
Me too.i have spoken loudly my whole life.cant change i tried
Iam from a family of 16 9 boys 7 girl if you didn’t speak loudly you wasn’t heard
People should be able to share opinions without being called hateful. We’re all affected differently; mostly based on personal experiences. My nephew is 18, big/tall guy, deep baritone; his voice is loud af & carries a long way. My ears are super sensitive too so I try to step back a bit when he talks bcuz it’s kinda painful (literally). But he’s not trying to be loud or obnoxious so I never say anything, I don’t want to hurt his feelings. On the other hand, this one chick I know speaks so loudly, I can hear her talking on the phone in the basement when I’m on the 3rd floor. She constantly interrupts people, only talks/never listens, literally hi-jacks every convo- and talks even louder to drown out whoever she’s interrupting. She is definitely arrogant, obnoxious, disrespectful and gives zero 💩 how uncomfortable it is to be around her. She can control her noise level but chooses not to.
Ru sure this person fits your definition? Sometimes we forget our educated opinions… we haveformed from experience, relationship a, exposure/tolerance to this personality ….& we all have done it, -without finding out hard facts. It has to be a purposeful act to find facts. also, how do u feel in general about this “loud-talker” Is it a Sister, neighbor, bestie, or someone ur bonded to? Or do u already have a general disinterest/dislike? That can get any of us jumping to conclusions and feel we are right . One thing havent read here is, well my qwirks. Live /hate we have what we have to work with.Some ppl are simply so GENUINELY and blissfully excited and don’t mean to hurr (or annoy) a soul! Some ppl can be more animated, too. love/miss and cherish their ppl! They engaged and spend too much time with lil kids, or don’t get out, and that can be a factor. . Adhd persons face a continuous battle while trying to socialize, let alone e bond 1 on 1. pulling in reigns when they (-at sweet last!) Recognizing they are interrupting is #1. Now they have another revolving internal thought they aren’t meaning to be rude or dominate. They shame themselves,cus they actually arent jerks. Recognizing and and slowing down a train are two part s of this as well. Arr so e ppl arrogantrude and insecure? Absolutely. We all MEAN to not judge a book by its cover, but its part of our instinct, i believe. All we can do is realize these things and when we do, truely want to do&learn our best. Lastly- Sometimes we need to find just as much patience & kindness for ourselves as we normally freely give others. No shade, we are all students of this life, good luck everyone & bless ur hearts for wanting to understand these things more deeply . Ok…I AM DONE SHOUTING now!! Someone else’s turn!
Unfortunately people try to monopolize conversations and a loud voice is an effective way to do so
Most of the time it’s because they are hard of hearing. They want to admit or don’t realize it. Some just refuse to use hearing aids. If you don’t hear well you speak louder.
Some people with hearing impairments are also autistic…and cannot deal with hearing aids in their ears. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes, will you?
What I read has some truth. However, i have grown children that 24/7 wear earbuds. I too have to speak loudly other wise they say “what, huh”
drives me crazy. it does not take a psycologist to say if people wear earbuds 24/7 that they cannot hear you talking or what is going on around. Take them out of your ear and I guarantee they can hear you and and not speak loudly because they can now hear themselves talking.
Frustrated father that can hear, read a map from the gas station, tell time on a analog clock, and give correct change back without a calculator etc.
thanks for listening.
I have always been a very loud person and have always wondered why my voice is so loud, even when trying to be conscious of my speaking, I can see people sometimes become uneasy, they usually turn their head from side to side looking for others reactions. I do not mean to upset people and so I try not to speak all the time, but it’s like I can not control it, it bothers me
I’m the exact same way, I’m very loud and outgoing. I don’t mean to be loud, but it’s my natural state. lol I have friends who try to tame me, and I try when I’m around them. I swear quiet talking hurts my throat. 😂
I have to tell people there is no volume button. Even when I try to whisper, I am still heard 3 blocks away. Since I was really small I have always been loud.
I appreciate your concern for others. The article touches on culture and I come from Latin family you know and I’m a New Yorker. We’re all loud the Italians Latins Afro-Americans. We have a lot of energy and we just love communicating with family and friends. I have met some people who speak really I mean really loud and I’ve noticed it’s a hearing issue.
This such nonsense i have a higher octave voice so I sound louder it sure isn’t for attention I can’t help the sound of my voice
With all due respect, it’s not nonsense because you say so. The article does address that some people are naturally so.
True, it’s definitely not for attention, some of us just can’t help it, that’s just how we were born
I’m actually just the opposite I speak really softly and I’m asked all the time “what did you say” I feel like I’m speaking at a normal level and when I try to speak louder it’s a strain on my throat. I’ve even called out to try and get a persons attention and other people around me have repeated what I say louder to help me get the persons attention. I sound loud to myself but it doesn’t come across as loud so, I understand how people have reasons for their volume. Seems like the people that do talk loudly have hearing issues that we should be more concerned and passionate about and know it’s out of their control. That’s my thought when I hear people speaking loud. My husband and his brother talk loudly hearing issues.
Let’s just have some compassion for others
I’m told I talk to loud. I believe I have a calling and I’m passionate about something. I want people to hear me and notice me for my calling and passion.
I talk loud too I mean, I what I would think is normal but my voice carries and it’s naturally like that. My son stated I talk real loud. I go this is my voice. There was one time where I tried whispering and nobody could hear me so this is my personality. It’s not like I’m screaming but when you’re passionate about something, I can see you having the energy to express that and tone definitely matters. I think it just you know whether you’re screaming or you’re talking and your normal tone of voice. Good for you.
In your case it sounds more like narcissism than a hearing problem, which I understand is not the speakers fault. But you may want to consider that not everyone wants to “notice you” or be deafened by your “passionate views “. Some people prefer a pleasant conversation at a moderate volume, not an egoistic monologue.
Then don’t go out socially. J/k!! Sounds like someone really offended u. Sorry, thwwp! but look at u now- shouting !
Aaah, sorry, all in fun, let’s lighten up y’all! We all are different. And all get defensive sometimes. And that makes me wanna make a funny to cut the frown out. Good luck everyone
Talking loudly is a sign of being a lowlife and having complete lack of self-respect!
I have been almost deaf since birth and hearing aids don’t work. I’m educated, we’ll breed and very compassionate to everyone. Your post is very demeaning to those like me because we cannot hear ourselves! I have tried all of my 64 years to learn how to train my levels of volume and without your hearing, it cannot be done!
not always. I have always had hearing problems and have always talked loud. What you say is very hateful and shows you lack any humanly respect!
Wow! Moon. Judge much
Not all are lowlifes & lack respect!!! My identical twin sons were born 10 weeks early, had 3 sets of ear tubes, were given a 5% chance of being born alive & healthy, told they would never catch up academically or in height to their peers. Both are over 6′, graduated from a tough, small private college w/double majors. One’s headed to grad school & one to the Army. The latter has always spoken a bit too loudly to the point that we have to remind him. He’s shy except around family, not the slightest bit arrogant but rather a humble, hard-worker, who is the 1st to jump in to lend a hand ot do chores others don’t want to do…& never for recognition. He can’t tell that he’s talking to loud & gets embarrassed when he realizes that he’s doing it. You don’t always know what’s going through the mind of another or what they’ve been through or are currently facing! An open mind is the best tool to help those talking too loudly!
OR….IT COULD MEAN MANY OTHER THINGS. EVERY ONE IS AN INDIVIDUAL, AFTER ALL
Good article but it doesnt mention the phyisical disability of hearing loss and tinitus as a reason some people talk loudly. I have both and can tell you its extremly diffucult to gauge the volume of my own voice.
That’s me alright. I’m sorry I can’t control my voice. It’s always on loud speaker. That’s why I don’t like talking in public.
My husband and one of his brothers are very loud talkers. It has almost destroyed our marriage. I am exhausted from constantly asking him to calm down and not speak so loudly. Sometimes I have to just walk away. He answers that he is “speaking with emotion”. I sometimes wonder how we have been married for 34 years. God bless whomever invented ear plugs!
Wow! I thought I really was the only one who would consider divorce for this reason. In the beginning of our marriage I asked him to “turn down the volume”. When that didn’t work I would ask him to stop yelling at me in which he denies he is yelling. His entire family; grown kids, sisters, brothers in law, daughters in law, even his grandkids, are yellers and screamers. All desperate for attention? Basic conditioning? Could all of them be hard of hearing! Sad. I come from a very large family, on both sides, that were soft spoken. We had no need for constant competition. I have panic attacks when I learn there will be visits taking place. This after 20+ years of marriage, I’m just numb and try to ignore him, turn him off and out. How pleasant, huh?
I know a man who talks incessantly at top volume. He wants all the attention all the time. I’m sure he is trying to boost up his self image. He has no home, no car, no job.
I started a new job and got asked on the first day if I’m always that loud! I didnt realize my voice was that loud! But how rude
Yeah, u prolly excited , nervous, and I do the same, along with saying things too fast. Eh. So ir human. Try not to take it personally. Some are just the opposite of ppl on our side of things.
Looking at the comments, it’s obvious that the majority of loud talkers don’t feel like it’s a problem. For perspective, it’s quite annoying to have to be around a person with so little self control that they can’t maintain an acceptable level of volume with their own voice.
We all learned what an indoor voice is when we were children. You’re grown now, so stop making excuses for bad behavior. Unless the idea of being thought of as a boorish oaf is appealing, practice some self control.
Some people are completely unaware until it’s brought to attn. Or in observation of others’body language. Sorry 2 whom it pains yer sensibilities. Not all are the exact same reasons. NOTloud talkers are cookie cutter jerks. Neither are any other kinds of talkers across the board. Glad we all are lustening & engaging !
They say people speak loudly when their hearts are distant though their ears are close. I think it is just another way of looking at this along with other factors like insecurity, aggressiveness and social or cultural influences.
Today we talk about ‘ mindfulness ‘ and it would be good for everyone around if we apply the same in modulating our decibels also.
That is what I have also experienced. Sometimes they are speaking loudly to let others in the room find out about things (tatal-tailing) without spreading gossip to each person around the room individually.
Another aspect, which wasn’t mentioned, is if the person is hearing impaired or family member of someone who is. As a hearing impaired person myself, I don’t know how loud I’m being. My children are also loud due to needing me to them.
I’m a trained opera singer and I am a very enthusiastic person. I often get told I speak to loudly and I just can’t help it especially when I am excited or happy. I am outgoing and enjoy social interaction, especially convers and banter. I am aware of tone and try to moderate it but I can’t stand having to be quiet just for the sake of those who are overly sensitive to loud, enthusiastic interaction.
I’m loud when I talk, everyone tells me to be quiet, I don’t do it on purpose, I have sensory overload issues and anxiety which makes focusing difficult, I wish I could have a quieter voice and I’ve tried really hard to be quieter and focus but it causes me massive stress and I try not to speak to anyone as a result because everyone treats me like im a big problem
Has anyone ever thought about lung capacity, the range of voices for singers, come on now, stop being haters and so easy to criticize the baritone! Give it a rest!
I feel sad! I Have a significant hearing disability. I know I speak loudly. I try to not speak so loud. Reading this article, and more so the comments, I feel awful. I will do my best to do better.
As a child (early 60s) in school I was often in trouble for talking. While 2 or 3 of us were talking, I was the one whose voice carried, and who got in trouble. Was I doing it to be noticed or draw attention, absolutely not. To me, I sounded like everyone else. As an adult, I worked in jobs at one time or another where we talked on phones in cubicles. I made signs for myself to remind myself to lower my voice….it projects. Thankfully I was promoted to positions where I had my own office and could close the door. I did do public speaking and theater in high school and speaking again in my career. Never had a problem projecting – my voice is made that way. It is disturbing to me that I have accidentally allowed my voice to raise, as I do not like to draw attention to myself or what I am saying. The idea is ludicrous. Now I am 70…and I still watch out for it. I am also someone who people describe as enthusiastic, outgoing, optimistic, friendly, happy and welcoming to others. Many think I am much younger because I still have those traits. About 5 years ago at an evening work function where we were all gathered in Chicago and were enjoying an evening chartered boat ride (no partners present, and didn’t know many), I was standing on deck, alone I thought, when fireworks overheard started. I was very excited – I still love them to this day. As I was leaving the deck, I heard a younger man turn to his work friend and say “I wish my wife still got excited about things like that!”. I decided it was fine to take delight and be expressive. It’s an actual social style, and it has a place. I do try to be considerate of others, it doesn’t happen often that I am too loud now. And it certainly wouldn’t happen in a business meeting, church, a movie, or even a social gathering. But in a restaurant if the ambient sound rises, I may unwittingly raise my voice…more likely, I request we eat in quieter spots, but that’s not always possible. Anyway, it is unfortunate that people assume the worst.
Not necessarily statistically relevant, but it seems I know several people from very large families who speak at an unpleasantly loud volume.
I am an introvert and a speaking voice teacher. I teach professionals to project their voices to enhance their power and executive presence. However I am offended when someone talks too loudly in a public space such as on the beach or in a restaurant. I feel like my space is being invaded and I am unavoidably inside that person‘s conversation. I can’t help but hear everything they’re saying. Honestly, it drives me crazy.
I met a woman with a very loud voice, and it wasn’t an attractive voice either, I bumped into her a few times and knew she wanted to become friends. In all honesty I knew I wouldn’t be able to tolerate her voice for more than a few minutes, so I backed off. I’m glad I did, as having AUADHD, eventually it would have made me too anxious and stressed.
I have a high pitch loud voice since my teens, I don’t mean to be disrespectful it’s naturally high,I try to reduce but it’s impossible.Plea don’t judge us by high voice,be tolerant let’s treat it like any other speech pathology
People should be able to share opinions without being called hateful. We’re all affected differently; mostly based on personal experiences. My nephew is 18, big/tall guy, deep baritone; his voice is loud af & carries a long way. My ears are super sensitive too so I try to step back a bit when he talks bcuz it’s kinda painful (literally). But he’s not trying to be loud or obnoxious so I never say anything, I don’t want to hurt his feelings. On the other hand, this one chick I know speaks so loudly, I can hear her talking on the phone in the basement when I’m on the 3rd floor. She constantly interrupts people, only talks/never listens, literally hi-jacks every convo- and talks even louder to drown out whoever she’s interrupting. She is definitely arrogant, obnoxious, disrespectful and gives zero 💩 how uncomfortable it is to be around her. She can control her noise level but chooses not to.
I’m having trouble getting my comment to post (so I apologize if it gets posted 2 or 3 times) 😹😹
Check their characters.
It usually tally with their loud speaker volumes.
Mostly so wild with their attitude
I also observe that the loud talking unconsciously, expresses the personality traits. But found the loud talking is usually represented by aggressive and emotionally uncontrolled personalities.
Interesting. It is true that there are those with naturally high volume voices or those who are unable to regulate the decibel of their speech through physical impairments and we should be aware and accommodating of them. It is also true that there are those who in public spaces don’t seem to care that the volume of their speech is violating the comfort and peace of others around them. I have encountered such persons who on the street or on public transportation will engage in very loud conversations while on the phone that no one around them is interested in hearing. I have witnessed people again on public transportation who for example sit at one end of a bus and loudly converse with another person sitting near the opposite end. This the type of behavior I personally find disturbing. I have a high sensitivity to noise, especially the human voice. Loud noise overwhelms me and although I try my best to regulate the input, there are times when I simply can’t and the result leaves me anxious and greatly stressed.
Im sorry, I just turned 49 two days ago, and no, my being loud has nothing to do with my high anxiety levels and everything to do with only 45% hearing in one ear, 55% hearing in the other, and tinnitus so bad that hearing aids don’t work….. people assume I am loud because im a loud person, but people talk at a volume that they themselves can hear what they are saying. If you are half deaf, you have to talk louder. People are too self-absorbed these days to CARE what might be going on with someone else. I’m so sick of the if you do this, then you have this….. no, if I do this it means I am doing it because it works for me, not because you want to make me feel bad, or less of a person. I love psychology, but sometimes you analyze too much, and don’t listen enough!!!
I have a naturally loud voice, which has become somewhat of a joke since I work in a library. I do however, try to make sure my tone is modulated and kindly (I also, have a somewhat deep voice) so that I don’t come across as aggressive. In public I am very aware of how loud I am and ensure the content of what I’m saying is appropriate for all ears and even inviting to weighed in upon by others as I know they will over hear me.
I find that people who talk loudly often can not hear that well. It’s as though they are compensating to hear themselves well while talking.
How can I help my husband talk calmly. He shouts when talking which makes one e embarrassed. When you ask him to talk low he would say something like that is my voice
I find so many people mumble or whisper and I can’t understand or hear them. I would much rather people speak loudly instead of constantly having to ask people to speak up and repeat themselves. Also, I like to keep a reasonable space from people so I don’t smelled their breath or get spit upon when they’re talking.
It is a fact that some people speak louder than others and there may be reason(s) to justify their high volume. However, to those of us that are within hearing, but not a part of the conversation, it is a bit annoying and off-putting in my view. My particular pet peeve concerns those people who speak loudly on their phones in public.
Loud talker are often open minded, they are hardly found to be crooks, Reasons why, Spaniards and Greeks are so different from the British in dealings.
Surprising article lol. I’ve always been a loud talker. Everyone has always told me to lower my voice. I said I always speak that way but it seems to annoy everyone. After quite a few years now I stopped communicating with people, including my own family since they don’t accept me for who I am.