Taming the Chatterbox: Strategies for Managing Overtalkers at Work

In the workplace, managing colleagues who dominate conversations can be challenging. Recent reader feedback has shed light on effective strategies to address this issue, including insights from individuals who recognize their own tendency to overtalk.

Christina Sarris, an assisted-living engagement coordinator from South Carolina, self-identifies with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She acknowledges her struggle with "knowing when to hush" but emphasizes her desire to connect respectfully with others. ADHD, which affects approximately 4.4% of adults in the United States, can contribute to impulse control challenges in conversations.

Many readers suggested practical techniques for managing overtalkers. These range from non-verbal cues like gentle arm touches to using timers in meetings. One commenter even mentioned using a gong to keep verbose presenters on track. It's worth noting that non-verbal cues make up about 93% of communication, highlighting their potential effectiveness.

"If someone hadn't told me, kindly, but also explicitly, I would never have known and improvement would not have been possible."

This comment underscores the importance of direct, kind feedback. Many individuals with talkative tendencies reported that such feedback was crucial in helping them recognize and address their behavior. This approach aligns with the concept of psychological safety in the workplace, introduced in 1999, which encourages open communication and acknowledgment of personal challenges.

Workplace culture plays a significant role in managing overtalkers. Environments that foster respect, candor, and openness about personal challenges can facilitate more productive conversations. An anonymous manager with ADHD shared how his own diagnosis helped him approach an impulsive talker on his team with empathy and humility.

When addressing overtalking, experts recommend acting quickly and directly. The anonymous manager advises naming the pattern and involving the employee in finding a solution, rather than dictating changes. This collaborative approach can increase team productivity by up to 25%.

It's important to distinguish between well-meaning overtalkers and those with potentially toxic behaviors. While patience and reinforcement can help the former, the latter may require more firm interventions, possibly involving management.

By implementing these strategies and fostering a culture of open communication, workplaces can create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to be heard, ultimately leading to more effective and inclusive team dynamics.