Can I become monotone? How do I become more monotone?

[Anonymous]

I’m an animated speaker, how can I tone things down? I have a few coworkers who are monotone, and although they dislike this quality about themselves I don’t. Can one become monotone?

[Anonymous]

One can definitely become less animated. I’m also an animated speaker and have a very expressive face. Zoom has helped me see this about myself (and realize I don’t love it).

[Anonymous]

Np, and me too, op. Every time I try to tone it down, my natural way resurfaces. I am a cheerful, smiley, and bubbly soul.

[Anonymous]

PLEASE stay how you are. The world does not need more droning boring people.

[Anonymous]

I am the same. I also look young, so the two together make me come across super young. I don’t know how to fix it without becoming a boring speaker.

[Anonymous]

Being monotone is not all rainbows and unicorns as you likely hear often.

[Anonymous]

I love animated speakers, OP! But not loud ones. Please stay true to yourself, I'll just have to step back a bit if you're loud

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure if you're quite getting it, OP. In fact, the title of your post seems like a slam. I do get what you're saying - you have a lot riding on the fact that you think you're interesting and the way you show it is by being very animated. However, what you don't seem to be grasping is that you can still be animated and enthusiastic and bubbly and interesting and engaging while speaking more calmly and less loudly. That isn't being monotone, it is simply speaking more calmly, more slowly, while being less loud and acting with a tad less drama.

[Anonymous]

When you say monotone all I can hear in my head is that fake low voice Elizabeth Holmes used. Don’t do it!

[Anonymous]

If your “animation” reads as “uncontrolled” or “frantic,” and if it might in any way stem from anxiety, a pinch of Xanax before public speaking does the trick.

I read “young,” am in a serious field, struggle with anxiety—especially social anxiety—and spend a lot of time presenting on zoom. In rewatching my presentations, I am so much more steady, controlled...not monotonous, but even-keeled, after a touch of medication.