
 The Toastmasters Podcast
 The Toastmasters Podcast #268: Stop Talking, Start Connecting: The Cure for Overspeaking - Joel Schwartzberg
 Feb 1, 2025 
 Joel Schwartzberg, a seasoned communications coach and award-winning speechwriter, shares his insights on the pitfalls of overspeaking. He highlights how excessive talking disrupts meetings and offers strategies to enhance clarity and focus during discussions. Schwartzberg emphasizes the importance of knowing when to stop speaking to foster productive interactions. He also explores the value of open-minded leadership and active listening in enhancing collaboration. Listeners gain practical tips to manage communication more effectively and ensure their conversations are impactful. 
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Overspeaking: More Than Meets the Eye
- Overspeaking is often a manifestation of overthinking, not just self-esteem.
- Overthinkers may overspeak due to perfectionism, fear of mistakes, or analysis paralysis.
The Self-Aware Overspeaker
- Joel Schwartzberg describes a colleague who frequently overspoke, even acknowledging it with phrases like "I may be overthinking, but...".
- This person's self-awareness didn't prevent overspeaking, highlighting the need for practical solutions.
Lost in the Weeds
- In a school meeting example, most of the time was spent on minor issues, leaving only two minutes for crucial student discussions.
- This demonstrates how overspeaking derails meetings and prioritizes less important topics.
