(Yelling) YES, I HAVE THAT PROBLEM, TOO - WHAT? I'M YELLING...OH SORRY. (Lowering voice) I am very self-conscious about using my speech. My insight: People swear my speech is nearly perfect (just a touch of an accent, they would say) and the voice is clear - but seriously, that's like saying, "Oh! You throw pretty good for a girl!" I am aware that my speech is not at 100% and never, ever will be - and that I do not know how loud or soft I am. Many people complain that I speak too soft. My response? "Read my lips!" That's what people have been telling me to do all my life.
My ASL skills are perfect - so why strive to speak when it's not 100% perfect when I can sign 100% perfect? Why speak when it is awkward for me - so uncomfortable that I find myself shaking and face becoming red...when I can sign with ease and freedom. 
