[Updated October 2019]
Speaking up is essential. And, talking too much works against you. Use these 3 ways to keep yourself from rambling.
“When I get ready to talk to people, I spend two thirds of the time thinking about what they want to hear and one third thinking about what I want to say.”
– Abraham Lincoln
We all know people who talk too much. Maybe you struggle with over-sharing as well.
If you’re not sure, here’s a quick litmus test to see if you are the one people see as promiscuously verbal:
- People avoid eye contact in the hall when they see you coming.
- When asked a question, you focus more on the story, than the bottom line.
- You can’t make your point in less than 1 minute.
- You start your point and then go off on tangents, often losing your point.
- People start fidgeting, looking around, or attempting to cut you off when you speak.
Any of those sound familiar? If so, here are a couple of strategies that might work for you.
The traffic light method to manage your talking.
I read about this great analogy in an article some time ago. In the first 30 seconds that you’re speaking, the light is green and your audience is probably still engaged.
During the next 30 seconds the light is yellow, and the potential of irritating your listener is higher. Start looking for an off-ramp from blah blah blah highway.
At 60 seconds, the light is red. Never run this red light. Stop talking. If you don’t, you’ll surely notice your audience expressing signs of boredom, irritation, or downright rebellion. (Unless your story is totally awesome, and you usually aren’t the best judge of that.)
Maybe you need some techniques to help you manage the ramble. In this week’s The Muse column I share 3 tips for reining in the tendency to talk too much. Check it out and then let me know what steps you’re taking to manage this verbal menace.
Click here to read “3 Smart Ways to Keep Yourself From Rambling” on The Muse.
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