How to Tell if You Talk Too Much

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Some people are very social and enjoy talking, especially about their favourite subjects. However, this can lead to problems when they completely take over the conversation. If you're not sure whether you may be doing this, don't worry! There are some ways to tell if you are.

Steps

1. Watch body language. When in conversation, remember that a great deal of communication goes unspoken. If your partner continually turns away, resumes a task, sighs, searches the sky or does any other telltale signs indicating boredom, realize that you may be talking too much.
   
2. Listen! Remember that true conversations occur when two or more people interactively communicate. That means you'll have to periodically close your mouth and let other people speak. If, while your partner speaks, you find yourself formulating your next response (instead of actually listening), you're not doing it right. Pause. Hear what your partner has to say, then think about how to respond.
   
3. Strive to let them finish! Interrupting people isn't merely poor communication, it is rude and disrespectful. You might think you know where your partner was going, but you can't always be sure. They can surprise you, so be sure to wait until they finish what they're saying.
   
4. Be yourself (with reservation)! Introverts think, then speak. Extroverts speak to think. Whichever you are, that's OK. But if you're an extrovert working something out by talking through it, ask yourself if you need an audience! Talking to yourself is much more socially acceptable today (people will think you're on a hands-free device), so try going off to talk things out on your own. Better yet, try to solve problems with internal monologue. Start small, it may take some getting used to.
   

Tips

• If your friend is true, chances are he or she will tell you personally. Don't worry, a lot of people have the same problem.
  

Warnings

• Excessive talking can drive people away. It also reveals more information about you than you realize. Remember, it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.