Meetings That Never End: A Survival Guide for Serial Talkers

Communication is key, right? But wait—how much is too much? 🤔 We all know that one person who can speak for hours without realizing the room is getting restless. So, how do we strike the perfect balance between getting the message across and knowing when to hit the brakes?

Let me tell you a story I heard in one of the leadership workshops I attended. This story holds a special place in my heart because it added immense value to my coaching skills.

In a small village in India, there was a renowned monk known for his wisdom and problem-solving skills. One day, he was spotted waiting in a long queue to meet a spiritual Guru. Naturally, people around were curious. Why would a monk, who himself was so powerful, need guidance from someone else? 🧘♂️

When someone finally asked him, the monk smiled and replied, "I have excellent communication skills, but I don't know where to stop!" 🛑

Now, isn’t that relatable? Often, introverts are told to open up, but how often are extroverts told when to stop? Leaders, managers, and even team members sometimes forget this crucial point.

Why is this important for leaders? 🕵️♂️

Picture this: You’ve called your team for a meeting. What was supposed to be a 30-minute briefing stretches into an hour-long marathon. Ever been in such a situation? If so, how did your team look after that? 🙄

When leaders or managers over-communicate, they:

• Risk losing their team’s attention.
• Waste precious time, leading to productivity dips.
• End up sharing too much information, which can cause confusion instead of clarity.

The monk’s lesson? It’s not just about how we communicate, but when to stop. 🎤

How do you know when enough is enough?

Here’s a quick checklist to help you refine your communication skills:

1. Read the Room: Are people nodding off or checking their watches? That’s your cue to wrap it up! ⏳
2. Keep It Purposeful: Before speaking, ask yourself—does this add value to the conversation? If not, maybe save it for another time.
3. Pause and Reflect: Try this simple trick—after making your point, pause. Give others a chance to process, ask questions, or even contribute.

A Little Humor to Help:

Imagine if Google Maps never stopped giving directions, even after you reached your destination. "In 200 meters, turn left," but you're already at the coffee shop! ☕ Similarly, when communicating, it's crucial to stop when the message is delivered.

Quick Tools to Get Better at Communication:

• The 3-Minute Rule: If you can't explain something clearly in three minutes, break it into smaller, digestible parts.
• Check for Understanding: Ask, “Does that make sense?” or “Any questions?” before continuing. This keeps your audience engaged.
• Use Humor & Stories: Light anecdotes (like the monk's story!) or humor can make your points more relatable and engaging. Just remember—keep it brief! 🕒

Wrap Up 🏁

Communication is a two-way street. Whether you’re in a leadership role or not, knowing when to speak and when to stop can make a huge difference in how effectively your message is received.

Next time you're in a conversation or meeting, ask yourself—Am I the monk in the queue? 😅

So, when was the last time you had to stop yourself from over-communicating? Drop your thoughts below! 👇

#Leadership #Communication #BehavioralSkills #KnowWhenToStop #EffectiveCommunication