Excessive talking in conversations, particularly during interviews, can obstruct effective communication by overwhelming listeners, obscuring key points, and negatively impacting perceptions. This behaviour may arise from various underlying causes, such as anxiety, a desire for validation, or a fear of silence. However, it often leads to unfavourable outcomes, both in terms of how the speaker is perceived and the overall effectiveness of the communication.
Root Causes and Psychological Underpinnings
The tendency to overtalk is frequently rooted in psychological factors. Anxiety is a common trigger, where individuals, feeling pressured to perform or impress, may speak excessively as a way to assert control over the situation. This can manifest in a rapid flow of information that lacks coherence or relevance. A need for validation, where the speaker seeks constant approval or affirmation, can also drive excessive talking. This need might cause them to provide more information than necessary in an attempt to showcase their knowledge or competence. Lastly, a fear of silence often compels individuals to fill conversational gaps, mistakenly equating silence with disinterest or disengagement. However, these underlying fears can backfire, leading to a counterproductive communication style that alienates rather than engages.
Impact on Communication Dynamics
Overtalking not only burdens the listener with unnecessary information but also diminishes the impact of what is being said. When a speaker monopolises the conversation, it becomes difficult for listeners to extract the most pertinent points, leading to confusion or disengagement. In professional settings, particularly interviews, this can severely impair the candidate's chances. Interviewers, working within time constraints, seek concise, relevant answers that demonstrate the candidate’s suitability for the role. Rambling responses that deviate from the core question can frustrate interviewers, leading them to question the candidate's ability to communicate effectively, think critically, or stay focused under pressure.
The Strategic Use of Pauses
Pausing during conversations allows for more measured and impactful communication. Pauses provide the speaker with the opportunity to gather their thoughts, leading to clearer and more precise responses. This enhances the quality of communication and also signals to the listener that the speaker is engaged and thoughtful. In interviews, pausing before responding to a question demonstrates confidence and composure, indicating that the candidate is carefully considering their answer rather than impulsively reacting.
Pausing has the dual benefit of allowing interviewers time to process the information provided. This can lead to a more reflective and substantive exchange, where both parties engage in a dialogue that is balanced and insightful. By resisting the urge to fill every silence, candidates open up a more collaborative atmosphere, encouraging interviewers to participate more actively in the conversation. This balanced interfacing often results in a more positive impression, as it shows respect for the interviewer’s perspective and creates space for deeper discussion.
Implications for Professional Development
Developing the ability to communicate concisely and effectively is crucial for professional success. This skill requires a conscious effort to resist the instinct to overtalk and instead, embrace pauses as a strategic tool. Practising this can lead to more impactful interactions, where the speaker’s points are delivered with clarity and authority. For professionals, particularly those in leadership or client-facing roles, mastering the art of pausing can significantly enhance their ability to influence, persuade, and build relationships.
About Fusion Associates
Since 1998, Fusion Associates has been placing experienced professionals across the globe within consumer markets including consumer goods, fashion, sporting goods, healthy living and luxury.
Environmental, humanitarian, social and political concerns are close to the Partners both in and out of the business. We pride ourselves in partnering with industry leaders who wish to contribute to a better, more sustainable future. Working with global companies that are at the forefront of innovating and integrating sustainability into the heart of their business, we have helped build purpose-led teams from leadership to subject experts in biodiversity and animal welfare.
