Lesson 2: Are you a chatty person? (pre-class worksheet)

Task 1. You are going to read an article about a problem someone might encounter when having a conversation. Before reading, think over the following questions.

1. What are some typical issues that may arise when having a conversation with someone?
2. What could be done to deal with them?

Task 2. Read the first part of the article. What issue is described? What do you think can be done to tackle it?

As a rule, there is a predictable rhythm to the flow of conversation. One person talks, and then pauses to let someone else speak for a while, often taking turns like players in a game - but if someone doesn't give you an opportunity to have your turn without being interrupted, it can take up a lot of emotional energy and leave you feeling drained. If someone's nattering reaches a point where it's regularly wasting your time and hurting your emotional wellbeing, it could be the moment to do something about it. Here are three tips.

Task 3. Read the second part of the article and check your ideas. What subheading would you give to each paragraph to summarize the main ideas?

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Most people who tend to talk a lot will respect your limits if you set a clear expectation with them. You can give yourself more control over your conversations by being upfront about how much time you have from the start, for example by saying: "I have five minutes before my meeting." It’s also OK to interrupt and propose another time to talk instead. This way, you'll be able to resume the conversation on your own terms.

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As chronic talkers usually carry their chatterbox reputation around with them, you might try to shut down the dialogue quickly, or even avoid them altogether out of fear that the conversation will never end. However, if someone's excessive talking is coming from a place of natural extroversion, this may have the opposite effect of them talking even more, because they're not getting a genuine conversation. So, if you know someone is chatty, once you've set a timeframe for your conversation, you should do what you can to make them feel heard - ask questions, smile, and share your ideas and opinions. By being a good listener, you'll show that you actually value them, rather than trying to cut them short.

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It's important to remember that chronic talkers don't kick off conversations with the intent of being annoying, they just love to interact with others and enjoy sharing their experiences. They could be lonely or have a lack of social awareness. Whatever the reason may be, be patient, but firm with your boundaries, and you'll be well on your way to more satisfying conversations.

Task 4. Read the article again and note down the answers to the questions given below.

1. What’s a natural flow of conversation?
2. Why is it important to set clear expectations?
3. Why should you try being a good listener?
4. What might be the reasons for people to talk a lot?

Task 5. Go through the article and write down the words or phrases that match the definitions on the right.

a

a casual and leisurely conversation

to

the conversation

to start it again

a

a person who likes to chatter

to

someone

to interrupt someone

a

conversation

real and sincere