When people talk about themselves too much when speaking with others, it is often considered a conversational habit that can be perceived as self-centered or egocentric. While it is natural to share personal experiences and thoughts during conversations, dominating the conversation with excessive self-disclosure can make the other person feel ignored or unimportant. This behavior can lead to poor communication, strained relationships, and missed opportunities to connect with others on a deeper level.
There could be several reasons why someone talks about themselves too much, such as a need for validation, a lack of awareness about their conversational behavior, or difficulty in empathizing with others. Overcoming this habit requires self-awareness, effort, and a willingness to improve communication skills. Here are some strategies to help overcome the tendency to talk only about oneself:
Practice active listening: Focus on genuinely listening to what the other person is saying rather than waiting for your turn to talk. Ask questions and show interest in their experiences and opinions.
Develop empathy: Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes and understand their feelings and perspectives. Empathy helps in forming deeper connections and makes conversations more meaningful.
Set a balanced tone: Aim for a balanced conversation where both parties have an opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences. Avoid monopolizing the conversation and encourage the other person to talk about themselves.
Ask open-ended questions: Open-ended questions prompt more elaborate responses and give the other person the chance to share more about themselves.
Be mindful of verbal cues: Pay attention to cues from the other person, such as body language or tone, to gauge if they are engaged or disinterested in the conversation.
Find common ground: Look for shared interests and experiences that can lead to a more reciprocal exchange of ideas and stories.
Practice restraint: It's okay to share personal experiences, but be mindful of the frequency and depth of your self-disclosure. Balance your contributions with those of the other person.
Seek feedback: Ask friends or family for honest feedback about your conversational habits, and be open to making improvements.
Work on self-confidence: Sometimes, excessive self-disclosure might stem from a need to prove oneself or seek validation. Building self-confidence can reduce the urge to dominate conversations.
Consider others' perspectives: Reflect on how your conversational habits may impact others and strive to create a positive and inclusive environment in your interactions.
Remember, developing better communication skills is an ongoing process, and it's natural to have slip-ups. Be patient with yourself and keep practicing these strategies to improve your conversational abilities and build stronger connections with others.