Ever found yourself trapped in a conversation where the other person just keeps going and going…and going?
It’s like they’ve swallowed a radio, and yet, once they’ve finished, you’re left wondering, “What did they actually say?”
I know the feeling all too well.
There was a time when I was working on my first startup, and we had a consultant who’d fill every meeting with nonstop chatter—yet the only takeaway I got was that he really loved the sound of his own voice. Did it help our business? Not exactly.
In my experience, people who talk endlessly but convey almost nothing are pretty much the definition of style over substance.
So, let’s break down seven of these traits and see if we can learn to spot them (and avoid them) in our own lives.
1. They dominate the spotlight without adding value
One of the most obvious traits of people who never stop talking is their desperate need for the spotlight.
They’ll steer every conversation back to themselves or their opinions, yet never provide meaningful insights.
Why is that a sign of low intelligence, at least from a psychological standpoint? Because true intelligence often reveals itself in active listening and purposeful contribution.
Think about the best conversations you’ve had—chances are, they were an exchange of ideas, experiences, or helpful information.
In contrast, folks who babble nonstop just want that microphone, whether they have something valuable to share or not. They’re not looking to collaborate or spark interesting discussion; they just want to be heard.
Ever had a coworker who hijacked team meetings to talk about random tidbits like their cat’s latest antics or an offhand anecdote about weekend plans, all while deadlines were looming?
That’s the prime example: a whole lot of noise, zero payoff.
2. They confuse overcomplication with intelligence
Some people equate big words and convoluted rambling with brilliance.
They’ll throw around jargon or complicated terminology, thinking it masks their lack of true understanding.
But in the world of tech, business, and entrepreneurship (which I live and breathe daily), actual intelligence tends to shine through clear, concise communication.
Psychologically, this trait may stem from insecurity or even what’s sometimes called the “Dunning-Kruger effect,” where folks with lower competence overestimate their ability.
Instead of simplifying concepts in a way that reveals genuine understanding, they’ll keep layering on words to make themselves sound smarter—when all it does is create confusion.
Here at Small Biz Technology, we’re big fans of clarity. If someone can’t explain a concept simply, there’s a good chance they don’t understand it well themselves.
People who talk a lot but say little often hide behind buzzwords and run-on sentences. It’s like they think the more they say, the more knowledgeable they appear. In reality, they’re just burying real meaning under piles of empty chatter.
3. They show zero genuine curiosity about others
I’ve mentioned this before but curiosity is a hallmark of intelligence. Genuinely smart, well-rounded people want to learn from those around them.
They ask questions, they listen, and they’re eager to hear new ideas or perspectives.
Conversely, those who ramble on about themselves rarely pause to learn about you, your ideas, or your experiences. They might toss in a quick “And what about you?” but it’s mostly a formality.
They’ll be right back to hogging center stage.
Psychologically, a blatant disregard for others can point to lower emotional intelligence.
By never pausing to genuinely inquire about anyone else, they miss out on forging deeper connections. They also miss out on potential learning opportunities. There’s only so much you can learn by hearing your own voice all day.
In the workplace or in social settings, the one-sided talker often ends up being the last to know important team updates or interesting news.
Why?
Because people pick up on the fact that they’re not really interested in anything that doesn’t revolve around themselves.
4. They rely on hearsay and rumor instead of facts
Ever been caught in the vortex of someone spouting unverified gossip, half-truths, or outright misinformation?
It’s exhausting. People who talk a lot but never really say anything tend to fill airspace with cheap rumors, trivial banter, and questionable sources.
They rarely reference credible evidence or balanced viewpoints.
Psychologically speaking, this often signals weak critical thinking. Instead of reading up on reliable data or looking for multiple perspectives, they’ll latch onto the first sensational story that validates their worldview.
Sadly, it’s often not because they want to be malicious, but more because they lack the mental discipline (or the desire) to dig deeper for facts.
In entrepreneurial circles or tech communities, you can sniff out these individuals a mile away.
They’ll throw around unsubstantiated claims about “the next big thing” or repeat random hearsay about competitors.
Meanwhile, the sharper folks in the room are busy looking at real data, testing hypotheses, and verifying facts before spouting off. Substance always beats speculation in the long run.
5. They dismiss feedback and double down on their viewpoints
Have you ever tried to gently challenge someone who talks incessantly?
Maybe you brought up a different perspective or asked a clarifying question.
If they shut you down, change the subject, or blow up to defend their stance without consideration, that’s a red flag.
One potential reason for this is an underdeveloped sense of self-awareness.
They’re so entrenched in their own reality that any disagreement feels like a personal attack.
True intelligence, in my book, involves openness to changing your mind when presented with better information.
People who refuse to take on new insights or see your side of the story remain stuck in their bubble.
I remember in my first year running a startup, I had a partner who loved nothing more than pontificating about our industry trends—but he ignored any data that suggested a different angle.
If I offered actual metrics contradicting his claims, he’d roll his eyes and talk over me. This approach stifled innovation and, in the end, contributed to our parting ways. One secret to entrepreneurship is that being coachable is often more valuable than being confident.
6. They pepper conversations with logical fallacies
You’ve likely encountered folks who fill the silence with straw-man arguments (“If you don’t agree with me, you must want the company to fail!”), or random emotional appeals that don’t align with logic (“Trust me, it just feels right!”).
They might slip into personal attacks or deflections the moment they’re challenged.
Why is this a sign of lower-level thinking?
Because an essential part of higher reasoning is understanding how to formulate rational arguments, weigh evidence, and address counterarguments.
Constantly leaning on logical fallacies—like ad hominem (attacking the person, not the argument) or false dilemmas (making something an either/or situation when it’s not)—is often a lazy mental shortcut for those who can’t craft a solid, fact-based viewpoint.
In everyday life, this might look like a loud relative at a family gathering who wants to “win” an argument by shouting, “Oh, you’re just too soft to get it!” instead of calmly explaining why they think they’re correct.
The more they talk, the less they truly communicate.
7. They exhibit poor emotional regulation
Finally, let’s talk about how these chatterboxes handle themselves when emotions run high.
If you pay attention, people who talk a lot but say nothing of substance often struggle to manage their own moods.
Sometimes they go on lengthy rants at the slightest provocation, or they spiral into petty drama to keep attention on themselves.
Emotional regulation is an essential component of emotional intelligence.
There’s actually quite a bit of research indicating that individuals who blow up easily or spiral into negativity without any self-control often struggle in other cognitive domains, too.
Of course, low emotional regulation doesn’t automatically mean someone is “low IQ,” but it can correlate with difficulty taking in new information, empathizing with different perspectives, or reflecting on one’s own behavior.
I’ve known business owners who’d explode over tiny setbacks in front of their entire team—talking nonstop about whose fault it was and how everyone “failed,” rather than calmly hashing out a solution.
After a while, employees learn to tune out these tirades, which results in poor communication all around. More words, less impact.
Wrapping up
And to round things off (though it’s no small matter), it’s worth noting that these traits aren’t set in stone.
People who show these patterns aren’t doomed for life. Sometimes all it takes is a little self-awareness and willingness to change.
But if you spot these red flags in someone over and over again, brace yourself for a whole lot of empty chatter.
Whether you’re building a team, networking in your industry, or just trying to form better relationships, recognizing these behaviors can help you steer clear of wasted time and mental energy.
At the end of the day, real conversation—productive, meaningful conversation—thrives on clarity, empathy, and a willingness to learn.
People who talk incessantly without truly saying anything tend to lack those three elements.
I’ve seen more than my fair share of time-wasters in my entrepreneurial journey, and if there’s one lesson to share, it’s that honest, concise communication is powerful.
If someone can’t give you that, you might be better off directing your attention elsewhere—or at least gently guiding them to more constructive ground if possible.
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