The art of whispering is perhaps one that is often overlooked. It requires quite an amount of focus to do properly, as well as a basic set of situations in which the proper whisper is necessary.
First off, this notion of removing the voice box capability does not mean one is whispering. What happens when one is to whisper is the disabling or suppression of the vocal chords to emit something akin to a hissing noise. Now this action is particularly easy especially for a novice. Anyone can simply do this hissing type of whispering. On many occasion, if not more, I've experienced a situation where that very whispering was louder than just speaking very softly.
Why do people whisper? The larger common denominator of why people whisper is most likely because the words he or she is speaking is either a secret OR being heard would mean being caught or something like that. Before the action of whispering perhaps the parties need to decide on what the situation is. If it is for secret motives then it becomes implicit: “shh, we don't want them (the person you're talking about) to hear!” Whereas if you're outside with friends or something at 2 a.m., in somewhat of a populated area, and in the suburbs the motivation should be to be quiet out of respect.
When whispering the normal way it is important to deduce your output to the lowest optimal level, so only the peers around you can hear and absolutely no one else can. The goal I usually make is trying to be quiet than the next loudest thing. It usually guarantees no one else can hear because the louder thing serves as cover. An accompanying tactic to serve this technique is to provide a close proximity to the other parties participating within the dialogue.
It is my experience that people in general are incapable of whispering properly. It is always either a really loud hiss, or a faulty attempt as speaking softly. Often times the worst whispering, or rather attempted whispering is that of an individual who is intoxicated. Those who are intoxicated seems to believe (a) they can whisper like there's no fucking tomorrow, and (b) anyone who insists they are not whispering usually and eventually screams “I'm whispering, shut up!” This statement comes in tandem with a very audible burst of pure voice. Truly its a shame.
[Demonstration of fundamental technique]
If you're thinking you might need help at whispering, then I would recommend a quick practice. Begin with not speaking at all, and slowly increase the intangible dial in your throat, but only very gently, once only your ears can her your voice is when you need to stop increasing the volume. The notion of a “six inch voice” is stupid, judging your sound frequency is difficult when trying to determine its distance. It is much easier to know you're whispering when your own ears can just barely hear your own voice.
The worst is when an individual who knows how to whisper is I surrounded by people who don't know how to as well as reject the notion that they are whispering improperly. As if it is an insult for a fine whisperer to explain the difference between a poor whisper and one that is well done. It is like a wine connoisseur being told Franzia is by far the best wine on the market with Manishewitz in close second. Really, take notes when a master whisperer is in your presence, it is good.
My honest suggestion is avoid places where whispering is necessary OR deviate away from people who can't, that is that.
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