Indoor Voice vs. Outdoor Voice: What’s the Difference?

A while back, me and a couple of my fraternity brothers went to the library.

We were just joking around, having a good time, and not really paying attention to our volume.

Then, out of nowhere, this girl in a hijab looked over and said, “You guys are being very loud!!”

As soon as she said that, we got quiet.

Her comment made us realize that we were being loud.

It was a weird moment because technically, we were indoors, but it felt like we were outdoors.

We were in a library, so we were physically indoors.

But because we weren’t in the confines of our own home, it kind of felt like we were outside.

Her comment didn’t just call out our volume, it highlighted the importance of adjusting our tone based on context.

Later that week, I was studying for finals when another guy walked into the library laughing loudly.

I found it annoying, but I didn’t want to put him in the same awkward position that the hijabi girl put me in just days before.

I wasn’t sure if he was intentionally being rude, or just unaware like we had been.

That’s when it clicked:

• Indoor and outdoor voices aren’t about location, they’re about context.

Understanding Indoor and Outdoor Voices

• Indoor Voice: A softer, more controlled tone appropriate for quiet or private settings. Think libraries, nice restaurants, study areas, or waiting rooms.
• Outdoor Voice: A louder, more projected tone for noisier, open, or public environments like parks, construction sites, or sports games.

It’s not about where you are, it’s about the environment around you and the expectations of that setting.

For example, using an indoor voice on a construction site or at a theme park doesn’t make sense.

It’s a liability at that point.

You need to project.

On the flip side, using an outdoor voice in a restaurant where people are trying to have calm, pleasant conversations comes off as disruptive.

Even if you’re just being yourself.

People often don’t want to be the one who has to ask someone to lower their voice.

That hijabi girl probably didn’t want to say anything, she just hoped we’d self-monitor.

But because we didn’t, she had to step in and put herself in that awkward position.

Same goes for when someone speaks too softly in a loud environment.

You ever had to ask someone to repeat themselves again, and again, and again?

That’s someone using an indoor voice in an outdoor scenario.

Adapting to Environments

One of my friends and I used to argue about this all the time.

Whenever we’d be at a fancy restaurant, he’d be speaking at the top of his lungs.

I’d tell him to lower his voice, and he’d respond with, “Why? I’m paying for service just like everyone else. I should be able to talk however I want.”

His logic was: “Why change myself for other people?”

And you know what?

I get it.

But I also believe that one of the most important parts of being a great communicator is being able to adapt.

It’s not about being fake.

It’s about having enough awareness to read the room and respond appropriately.

That’s what helps you avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and awkward moments.

Some people are naturally loud.

Others are naturally soft-spoken.

But communication isn’t just about what’s comfortable for you, it’s about what’s effective in the moment.

Environments shape the way we communicate.

The more you practice adapting your voice and reading the situation, the more naturally it will come to you.

For more insights into public speaking, check out the Speaking Wizard eBook

– ArmaniTalks