We all know that person who loves the sound of their own voice more than anyone else’s. You know, the one who treats conversations like personal monologues.

Being around people who talk more than they listen can be exhausting. But don’t worry, there are strategies for dealing with them.

From setting boundaries to guiding the conversation, these strategies are all about taking control and creating a more balanced exchange. And don’t worry, none of these strategies involve being rude or confrontational.

So, if you’re tired of feeling like a captive audience, read on. Here are nine strategies to deal with people who’d rather hear themselves talk than listen to others.

1) Practice active listening

Dealing with people who talk more than they listen can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

Active listening is a technique often used in counselling, training, and conflict resolution. It requires the listener to fully concentrate, understand, respond and then remember what is being said.

In situations where you’re dealing with a conversation hog, active listening can be a game changer. It involves more than just hearing the words being spoken. It’s about demonstrating that you’re engaged in the conversation and encouraging the other person to take a breath and let others have their say.

This technique involves making sure you show genuine interest in what the other person is saying but also subtly steering the conversation towards a more balanced exchange.

It might seem counterintuitive to listen more attentively to someone who already talks too much, but it can actually encourage them to reciprocate and start listening to you in return.

Remember, active listening is not about passively accepting a one-sided conversation. It’s a tool to help create a more equal dialogue.

2) Setting clear boundaries

Setting boundaries has always been a tough task for me. I’m a natural people-pleaser, and saying no doesn’t come easy. But when I found myself constantly on the receiving end of one-sided conversations, I knew something had to change.

I realized that it wasn’t just about them talking too much; it was also about me not asserting my need to be heard. So, I started setting clear boundaries.

I remember a specific conversation with a friend who loved to dominate our discussions. Instead of letting him carry on, I interjected with something like, “Hey, I’ve got something I’d really like to share about what happened in my day.”

It was uncomfortable at first, but to my surprise, he paused and gave me the floor.

By setting clear boundaries and requesting my turn to speak, I found that even the most talkative people could be guided towards a more balanced conversation.

This technique won’t always be successful on the first try, but with persistence, it can lead to healthier and more reciprocal interactions.

3) Use body language to your advantage

Did you know that approximately 55% of communication is nonverbal? That’s right, our body language often speaks louder than our words.

Leveraging this powerful tool can help balance the conversation when dealing with people who talk more than they listen. Simple gestures, such as maintaining eye contact, nodding in agreement, and leaning in slightly, can show that you’re engaged in the conversation.

On the other hand, subtly shifting your body away, crossing your arms, or looking away can signal your disinterest when the other person is dominating the conversation.

Learning to use body language effectively can help steer the conversation towards a more balanced exchange without having to interrupt or confront the other person directly.

4) Use the ‘sandwich’ technique

The ‘sandwich’ technique is a popular method in communication where you ‘sandwich’ a potentially uncomfortable point between two positive or neutral statements. This can be an effective strategy when dealing with people who talk more than they listen.

For instance, you might start by saying something positive about the conversation so far, such as, “I really appreciate your insights on this topic.”

You can then introduce your request for a more balanced exchange with, “However, I’d love to share my thoughts too.”

Finally, you can end on a positive note by saying, “I believe our conversation will be even more enriching with both our perspectives.”

This way, you’ve managed to express your need for a more balanced conversation without making the other person feel attacked or defensive.

5) Ask more questions

Asking more questions is another effective strategy to deal with people who tend to monopolize conversations.

Questions not only show that you’re actively engaged in the conversation but also give you a chance to steer its direction. For instance, if someone is going on a tangent, you can politely interject with a question that brings the discussion back to the topic at hand.

In addition, asking open-ended questions encourages the talkative person to pause and think before responding. This can create an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and contribute to the conversation.

Remember, the goal here isn’t to interrogate the other person but to create a more engaging, balanced dialogue where everyone feels heard.

6) Express your feelings

Sometimes, the most honest approach is the best one. If someone’s constant talking is making you feel unheard or undervalued, it’s okay to express those feelings.

Sharing how you feel isn’t about blaming the other person, but rather about making them aware of their impact on you. Use “I” statements to avoid sounding confrontational. For example, “I feel like I’m not being heard when our conversations are one-sided.”

Remember, it’s crucial to express these feelings with kindness and respect. Most people aren’t aware that they’re dominating the conversation and will likely appreciate your honesty.

Being open about your feelings can create a deeper connection and pave the way for more balanced and fulfilling conversations in the future.

7) Practice patience

Patience, in my experience, is one of the most potent tools when dealing with people who talk more than they listen. I’ve often found myself getting frustrated and impatient in such conversations, which only escalated the situation.

Over time, I’ve learned that patience can be a powerful ally. Even if it feels like you’re not getting a word in edgeways, taking a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts can make a world of difference.

It’s not easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But with practice, patience can help you maintain your calm and navigate these conversations more effectively.

Remember, everyone is on their journey, and some people might need more time than others to realize and adjust their conversational habits.

8) Seek common ground

Finding common ground can be a great strategy to balance the conversation. By identifying shared interests or viewpoints, you can steer the conversation towards topics that you’re both passionate about.

This method encourages the other person to listen to your thoughts and opinions since they relate to something they’re interested in.

For instance, if you both enjoy movies, steer the conversation towards recent films you’ve seen or classics you both love. This mutual interest can create a more equal dialogue and make your conversations more fulfilling for both parties.

9) Remember, it’s not personal

When dealing with people who talk more than they listen, it’s essential to remember that it’s not personal. Their tendency to dominate conversations is likely a habit they’ve unknowingly developed over time and has nothing to do with your worth or importance.

Keeping this perspective can help maintain your self-esteem and patience in these situations. It allows you to address the issue constructively and fosters healthier, more balanced conversations moving forward.

Final thought: It’s a journey

Human interactions are complex and nuanced, often influenced by a plethora of factors that range from personality traits to past experiences. And dealing with people who talk more than they listen is just one facet of this intricate web.

Remember, communication is a two-way street. It involves speaking and listening in equal measures. But it’s also about understanding and empathy.

As you employ these strategies, remember that change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey, for both you and the other person involved. Patience, persistence, and a genuine desire for balanced interaction can go a long way in creating healthier, more fulfilling conversations.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about being heard, but also about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and understood. That’s the beauty of an effective conversation – it’s an exchange, a dance, a mutual give-and-take.

So next time you find yourself with someone who seems to have forgotten that listening is half of the conversation equation, take a deep breath and remember these strategies. You have the tools to influence the conversation positively.