Why do we talk so much?

[WORLD] In a world driven by constant communication, the art of concise conversation often seems lost. From social media posts to long-winded speeches, humanity's tendency to over-explain and dominate discussions has become the norm. But, if "brevity is the soul of wit," as Shakespeare famously put it, why do we talk so much? Experts weigh in on the cognitive, social, and cultural factors that fuel our penchant for verbosity.

The Rise of the Over-Explained

In today's digital age, where we’re more connected than ever, communication has evolved into a constant, and often lengthy, stream of words. Whether it’s social media captions, email chains, or face-to-face conversations, people are increasingly spending more time talking and less time listening. But this shift begs the question: Why, despite centuries of wisdom that tout brevity as a virtue, do we still feel the need to say so much?

At its core, this paradox can be linked to several psychological, societal, and technological factors that have transformed how we interact. While brevity might be revered in literature and public speaking, day-to-day communication seems to defy this principle. Experts argue that understanding this shift requires a closer look at how human cognition, social dynamics, and modern technology shape the way we communicate.

Cognitive and Psychological Drivers of Excessive Communication

Psychologists have long understood that humans are naturally inclined to fill silences. “The fear of awkward pauses or the feeling that one has not said enough can compel people to continue talking, even when they’ve already made their point,” explains Dr. Natalie Thompson, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Chicago. “This tendency is deeply rooted in our need to be understood and validated.”

Additionally, over-explaining can be a way of enhancing one’s social standing. In social interactions, people may feel that verbosity displays confidence, intelligence, or expertise. “In many cultures, especially in professional settings, the length and depth of one’s response can be seen as a reflection of one’s competence or authority,” adds Dr. Thompson.

However, this doesn't always equate to better communication. Studies show that people are more likely to retain information when it is conveyed succinctly, yet the natural impulse to elaborate continues to prevail. Dr. Alan Harris, a linguist and communication expert, notes, “Despite the value of conciseness, the rise of the ‘explainer culture’ has made us believe that the more we say, the more likely we are to be understood.”

The Role of Technology and Social Media

The internet, and particularly social media, has dramatically altered the way people converse. In the age of hashtags, 280-character tweets, and Instagram captions, platforms have encouraged brevity. However, these same platforms also fuel a paradoxical surge in verbosity.

“On social media, there’s often a need to be seen and heard, which can encourage longer posts, threads, or stories,” says Emily Reed, a social media strategist. “People write more to grab attention or foster engagement. In essence, the fear of being ignored can lead to overcompensation in the form of lengthy commentary.”

Moreover, the rise of podcasts, video content, and live-streaming further amplifies the desire to share more. With so many voices online, individuals are driven to ensure they are not only heard but remembered. “The internet rewards frequency and length,” says Reed. “If your content isn't consistent and engaging, it can be easily lost in the noise.”

The Social Dynamics of Talking Too Much

Culturally, different societies value varying lengths of conversation. In some cultures, verbosity is seen as a sign of respect and earnestness. In others, conciseness is preferred, with brevity viewed as a sign of intelligence and efficiency. However, the rise of global digital communication has blurred these boundaries, making extended talking more commonplace in all parts of the world.

“It’s not just about the words you say; it’s about how they’re received,” notes Dr. Harris. “In a multicultural society, where people constantly interact with others from different backgrounds, there can be a tendency to over-explain or add extra context to ensure that one’s message is clear.”

Even in face-to-face interactions, over-explaining can be a tactic used to establish rapport. Small talk, while often criticized for being superficial, is also an essential part of human bonding. The desire to fill empty moments with conversation has led to a rise in what some call “verbal fillers,” where phrases like “you know” or “like” are sprinkled into conversations to keep them going.

The Impact of Over-Talking on Communication

While talking a lot might feel good in the moment, there are significant drawbacks to excessive verbosity. First and foremost is the potential for message dilution. As communication becomes longer and more detailed, there is a risk of losing the core message.

“The longer the conversation, the less likely the audience is to retain the important details,” says Dr. Thompson. “People have limited attention spans, and when you talk too much, you risk overwhelming them with unnecessary information.”

Another issue is the potential for alienation. Studies suggest that people who dominate conversations with lengthy monologues can unintentionally alienate their listeners, leaving little room for engagement or reciprocity. “It can create a power imbalance,” says Dr. Harris. “In a conversation, both parties need to feel heard, and if one person monopolizes the talk, it diminishes the quality of the exchange.”

Finding a Balance: Embracing Conciseness in the Age of Over-Communication

So, how do we strike a balance between the desire to share our thoughts and the need to respect others' time and attention? It starts with a conscious effort to practice more intentional communication. Experts suggest taking a moment to pause and think before speaking, focusing on clarity and relevance, and using silence to encourage deeper listening.

“Active listening is just as important as speaking,” says Dr. Thompson. “Instead of filling every gap with words, consider whether what you’re about to say adds value to the conversation. That’s the key to meaningful exchanges.”

Additionally, adopting brevity doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing depth. It’s about finding the right words, efficiently and effectively conveying your message, and respecting the attention span of your audience.

In an age where we are encouraged to express ourselves more than ever, it can be easy to forget the power of concise communication. While modern society often celebrates the act of talking, it’s important to remember that sometimes less really is more. By embracing brevity, we can elevate the quality of our conversations, foster better connections, and make our words matter more.