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Do you ever find yourself stuck in a “conversation”
with someone who is technically delivering a monologue? Have you ever tried to join a conversation or discussion that is being hijacked by one speaker? I call those individuals Chain-talkers and they can be hazardous to healthy communication. Chain-talkers are people who talk nonstop with absolutely no awareness of
whether listeners have any interest in what he or she is saying? People who somehow
don’t need to take a breath and move so quickly between sentences that you
can’t find a place to interrupt. Raise your hand if you know what I'm talking about.
The other day I attended a full-day symposium on communication.
There was an interesting keynote address by a marketing/communication VP for a
major organization. I very much appreciated her message since she spoke about
how important it is for companies to lead with their value - a message I try to
always express in my workshops and with my clients. She also spoke about the
importance of story and how communication is enhanced by the telling of
interesting personal, relatable stories. One of her final tidbits was advice on
keeping your message brief.
After her presentation, there was a break and
several people crowded around her to ask an additional question or express
their appreciation for her message. Because I really appreciated her message
and respected her organization, I joined that group. As I approached, I saw
that there was a gentleman engaging the speaker in a story or anecdote. I stood among seven other people waiting for an opportunity
to connect with the speaker. Two minutes went by. The man continued to ramble on. Another two to three minutes went by. The speaker began
to exhibit body language cues that would indicate to most people that she was anxious
to move on. Her body and feet were pointing away from this gentleman. She broke
eye-contact with the man and made eye-contact with me and several other people
waiting. He jabbered on. She touched his elbow in a way that indicated that
she was amused but ready to end the connection. And still the man spoke
on.
