TALKATIVENESS

Life amongst others can at times be like walking across a minefield and the most tiresome are those who babble on incessantly.
Conversation between people is normal and pleasant with an exchange of ideas and humour, until the over talkative one enters the scenario.
It is dubious whether any of us have had the good fortune to never have been in the grips of such a chatterer.

Very often, when trivial matters are exhausted, these people will go on to defamation, scandal and gleefully divulge secrets simply to give fuel to the momentum!
Naturally, the speaker is convinced that what they say is as fascinating to others as to themselves!

Speech of course is our thoughts being verbalised. Is it then possible that some have such an abundance of thoughts and so jumbled up that they are “spat out” like a torrent of unfathomable trivia!
The speaker has little consideration for what others may like to contribute, is most tiresome and arrogant and the culprit could find him or herself desperate for an escape route.

Conversation can also lead to rivalry among people of one kind and another in respect to wit, knowledge and social standing.
On the other hand, good conversation is needed to convey thoughts, increase knowledge and create enjoyment without isolating others.

Way back in the 18th century, communication was relatively silent, as was performed mainly by talking and writing.
Today in the digital age, we have access to sharing observations with mobile phones, tablets, computers, social media and limitless numbers of television channels. This phenomenal knowledge gained gives us the opportunity to become “broadc”sters” in our own right sharing observations, criticism and our personal viewpoints ` hopefully minus offence to others.

We now live in times when being outgoing, extroverted and bubbly is much to be praised, yet talking too much is as much of a vice as other forms of self-indulgence.

However reverting to communication issues, when feeling trapped by “conversion ”narcissism” are there any escape mechanisms?

According to those in the know, the first recommendation is to not listen for too long, or interrupt with an apology, suggesting a chat at a later stage or to find a lame excuse to leave.
No guilt should be felt as the babbler will always find some other unfortunate victim!

There is perhaps great wisdom in not being sullen or creating hostile silence, this in itself sending a strong message, but to recognize the moment that one might not have anything to say or any valuable contribution to the subject.

In conclusion, wise parents might say to their children that they have two ears and one mouth and best to use them in that ratio !