Sorry, very OT: but I have a problem with Whining!

Theta-cutie · #1 02-15-2001, 09:32 PM

Hello all!

I'm sorry that this is way off-topic but I was hoping you all could help me out a bit!

I have been told by a few ppl that I whine a lot. I really want to stop, because I guess that it would annoy people! However, I really cannot help it--it's just my style...my voice is already kinda on the high side--and sometimes my complaining just comes out, i guess, as a whine!

Problem is, I never realize that I am whining till this guy friend goes, "Stop whining!" jokingly. Can anyone help me and give me feedback on how to stop whining? I'm usually a pretty open person emotionally-wise: i kinda wear my heart on my sleeve, though I DO keep my problems inside most of the time! Thanks for your time!!

Asia2000 · #2 02-17-2001, 01:10 AM

well, I am getting better and better at breaking my own bad habits. The first step is to learn how to recognize as soon as you do "it" and correct the behavior.

2 suggestions: have your good friend(s) who you are around a lot subtly and nicely point it out to you every time you do it for a few days. By then, you might start to notice when it happens. But make sure it's a good friend that won't embarass you or kill you self-esteem!

And maybe tape record your voice so you know exactly what it sounds like.

Oh, and, if you want to spend $$ (hey, lots of college students have it -- not me

) You could hire a speech therapist. Maybe some of the students in the speech therapy program, if you have one at your school, would be willing to try to help you for free.

Eclipse · #3 02-21-2001, 06:48 PM

Hi theta-cutie,
What most people call a whine is the drawing out parts of a word. Instead of saying "I'm tired" the whiner says "I'm tiiiiired!" Work on 'clipping' your words by not streaching your vowels out. Practice saying the things that you know (or people have made you aware of) you whine. Also a whine is usually a nasal-y. Another thing to try is to lower your voice and speak slower. A simple technique to lower your voice is to drop your head so your chin is on your chest. Listen to the sound of your voice when you do that, then try to duplicate the sound with out your head on your chest. Asia2000 gave some good advice about a speech therpist on your campus. You may want to check out the drama department for some tips/techniques on voice control. Good luck!