I have some friends who I really adore as people, but I don’t see as often as I’d like because they talk too fast. It’s just slightly too quick… and it screws up my talk pacing when it’s my turn to speak. The whole thing puts me in a state of true internal conflict: I love the person, but I don’t like how they’re making words, and I certainly can’t stand that “I’m talking too fast” sensation… I hate to say it, but sometimes I’ll op for a less interesting friend that speaks at a better pace.
Speed Talker: “Oh my God you did you hear about Natalie? Can you freaking believe it? Yeah she was stealing all kinds of shit! Like everything, even the children’s toys! Hurry, give me your reaction quick! React quick!.”
Stop that! I do want to talk shit about Natalie… but not like this. What if I forget something? We’ll be going too fast to go back. Then I’ll remember it later... and I’ll have to call you again and go through this whole exercise… Just listen to how I talk, why can‘t we both make words at this speed? I’ve got an good solid words per minute. Nobody has complained about pacing thus far.
The only time I fall for a talk fast trap is if I’m really jacked on coffee, but it always sets up a nasty vortex... because the fast talker thinks, “This is the way things are now! Finally!” Now you’re stuck pumping words out at an unsustainable rate. You might even start to sweat. And fuck Natalie, all she ever did was bum drinks late night when she was wasted. I’m not making any extra effort on her behalf, even if we are discussing her in a negative light.
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