A common misconception is that you can talk your way out of a problem. More often than not, that makes it worse, as does any sort of rambling in a conversation. Every conversation has a rhythm to it, a balancing of back and forth between the people talking. When that rhythm is disrupted with an interruption, or lack thereof, the conversation suffers. You boss sees your incessant chatter and thinks;

“Does he talk like this to customers?”
“Does he annoy anyone else in the company like he is doing to me now?”
“Can we move him to a different position where he can’t talk so much?”

There is a balance that needs to be found in communicating in the business world. Yes, there are details which need to be explained and, at times, explained thoroughly, but in most cases unnecessary amounts of speech are given to explain inane details because we feel nervous around our peers or superiors. We think babbling will make our nervousness seem less apparent. It doesn’t.

Don’t over-explain anything unless asked to do so – your babbling may force someone to uncomfortably interrupt you, and may insult a client or coworker by presuming they do not know the information you are giving them.

In actuality, clear and concise messages are always valued over long-winded explanations. You will utilize your time better by communicating quicker, and free up the time of others because your messages will be short and sweet, warranting no interruption.

You should strive for proactive communication by initiating the short conversation without being asked and by noticing the rhythm of the conversation, not by overpowering it.

Guest Article Submitted by Eric Shannon with JustJobs.com

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