As a human being, it’s normal to feel jittery or anxious in certain situations.

During these times, some of us might start talking excessively, often without even realizing it.

This phenomenon refers to instances when people, often out of nervousness, start over-communicating.

This could be a result of many factors – they may be trying to impress, to fill awkward silences, or simply to distract themselves from their anxiety.

Psychologically speaking, this behavior could indicate various underlying issues, such as social anxiety or low self-esteem.

This over-talking typically exhibits certain specific patterns and traits.

To help you better understand this behavior and its implications, we’ve compiled a list of 9 typical behaviors displayed by individuals who tend to talk too much when they’re nervous.

This will help you identify these traits in yourself or others around you.

1) Over-explaining

Over-explaining is a common trait among those who talk excessively when they are nervous.

It’s not always immediately noticeable, as it could be quite subtle and gradually intensify over time.

You might observe that in times of stress or anxiety, they delve into minute details that may not even be relevant to the conversation at hand.

They may feel the urge to justify their actions, decisions or ideas excessively, even when it’s not required.

For instance, they might spend ten minutes explaining why they chose a particular restaurant for dinner, detailing everything from the restaurant’s reviews to its interior aesthetics.

Or perhaps they elaborate extensively on a minor work decision, providing every small detail and reasoning behind it.

This behavior is often driven by an underlying fear of being misunderstood or judged.

By over-explaining, they hope to avoid any misinterpretation or criticism.

However, this can sometimes lead to conversations that are unnecessarily long and tiring for the listener.

2) Rapid speech

One of the key behaviors of those who over-talk when they’re nervous is speaking rapidly.

This is often a product of the adrenaline rush that accompanies anxiety – the heart rate increases, breathing becomes quicker, and words start to tumble out at a faster pace than usual.

You might notice that during a nerve-wracking situation, they start to speak so quickly that it’s hard to keep up with what they’re saying.

They may jump from one topic to another without pausing, making it difficult to follow the conversation.

This rapid speech can also be accompanied by a high-pitched tone or a slight tremble in their voice, further indicating their nervousness.

The fast pace and high pitch can make the conversation feel intense and urgent, even when the topic itself is not of high importance or urgency.

This behavior is often an unconscious reaction to stress or anxiety, and the person may not even realize they’re doing it.

However, it can sometimes make communication challenging and exhausting for both parties involved.

3) Silence

Ironically, those who tend to talk excessively when they’re nervous may also display periods of sudden silence.

While it might seem contradictory, this behavior is quite common and can be a bit confusing for the listener.

You might notice that in the midst of their fast-paced, detailed conversation, they abruptly stop talking.

This could be for a few seconds or it could stretch into a minute or more. It’s as if they’ve hit a mental roadblock and are taking a moment to gather their thoughts.

This pause might be due to them becoming self-conscious about their over-talking or they might be trying to gauge your reaction to what they’ve just said.

It could also be that their mind is racing so fast with thoughts that they need a moment of silence to catch up.

This sudden shift from excessive talking to silence might seem odd but it’s just another way that nervousness can manifest in conversation.

It’s important to remember that these moments of silence are not necessarily an indication for you to jump in and fill the void – sometimes, they just need a moment to regroup before continuing.

4) Self-deprecation

It’s hard to admit, but people who are nervous and talk excessively often resort to self-deprecation.

It’s like a protective shield, a way to guard themselves against potential criticism or rejection.

You might notice that in their stream of rapid conversation, they frequently make negative comments about themselves.

They might downplay their achievements, highlight their perceived flaws or even make jokes at their own expense.

For instance, they might say things like “I know I’m not the smartest person in the room” or “I’m probably boring you with my rambling”.

These comments are often thrown casually into the conversation, but they reveal a deeper insecurity and fear of judgement.

It’s important to understand that this self-deprecation is not a plea for reassurance or compliments.

It’s more of a defense mechanism – a way for them to point out their flaws before anyone else can.

It’s a tough behavior to witness but it offers a candid insight into their internal struggle with nervousness and self-esteem.

5) Repeating and paraphrasing

If you notice someone continually repeating themselves or paraphrasing what they’ve just said, it’s likely they are nervous.

This behavior stems from a heartfelt worry that they are not being understood or heard.

You might observe that they repeat certain points or sentences multiple times in different ways.

For example, they might say, “I really enjoyed the movie last night,” followed by “It was such a good film,” a few moments later.

This repetition is their way of ensuring that their message is getting across. It’s almost as if they’re seeking confirmation that you’re on the same page.

Understanding this behavior can foster empathy for the individual. It’s not that they wish to dominate the conversation or be redundant.

Quite the opposite – it’s their way of striving for connection and clear communication during times of anxiety.

It’s a gentle reminder for us to listen patiently and provide that reassurance that yes, we hear them, and we understand.

6) Fidgeting

Fidgeting, a behavior that most of us are guilty of when we’re nervous, is another common trait among people who talk excessively in stressful situations.

You might notice them playing with their hair, tapping their foot, or continuously adjusting their clothes while they’re talking.

They might also keep changing their sitting position or make excessive hand gestures.

This behavior is a physical manifestation of the internal restlessness they’re experiencing.

It’s a way for their body to cope with the excess energy produced by anxiety.

So, the next time you see someone over-talking and fidgeting during a conversation, remember we’ve all been there in some way or another.

It’s just one of the many quirks we humans have when dealing with nervousness.

7) Going off on tangents

People who talk a lot when they’re nervous often have the amusing tendency to veer off topic and go on interesting tangents.

It’s like taking a scenic detour in the middle of a conversation!

You might find that one minute they’re talking about their weekend plans, and the next minute they’re passionately discussing their favorite type of pasta.

These random tangents may seem out of place, but they add a certain charm and spontaneity to the conversation.

This behavior is often a result of their racing thoughts trying to latch onto something – anything – to keep the conversation going.

It’s their unique way of navigating through a nerve-wracking situation with a little bit of humor and unpredictability.

So, while it might be a bit tricky to keep up with their ever-changing topics, it’s also an opportunity to enjoy some unexpected and entertaining detours along the way!

8) Avoiding eye contact

People who over-talk when they’re nervous often avoid maintaining eye contact.

It’s as if they’re hoping that by not looking directly at you, they can somehow lessen the impact of their verbal flood.

You might notice them constantly looking down, shifting their gaze around the room, or even focusing on a random object while they’re talking.

This avoidance of eye contact can sometimes come across as disinterest or rudeness, but it’s important to understand that it’s just their way of dealing with anxiety.

However, as much as we empathize with their struggle, it’s crucial for them to realize that eye contact is a key component of effective communication.

It’s a sign of respect and attentiveness towards the other person in the conversation.

So while it’s okay to be nervous and talk excessively sometimes, it’s equally important to make an effort to maintain eye contact.

It doesn’t mean staring without blinking, but just enough to show that you’re engaged and present in the conversation.

9) Seeking validation

The most important behavior to remember when dealing with someone who talks too much when they’re nervous is their frequent need for validation.

This is the crux of their excessive talking and the driving factor behind many of their other behaviors.

You might notice them constantly seeking your agreement or approval during the conversation.

They might frequently ask questions like “Do you know what I mean?” or “Don’t you agree?”

They’re not just seeking a response, but rather, they’re looking for reassurance and validation.

Understanding this can change the entire dynamics of your conversation with them.

Instead of getting frustrated or overwhelmed by their over-talking, a simple nod or a few words of affirmation can go a long way in easing their anxiety.

Remember, at the heart of their excessive talking is a deep yearning for connection and understanding.

A little empathy, patience, and validation can make a world of difference to them.