It’s an election year in the United States, and if there ever was a need for clarity in communication, it’s now. Yet no matter how specific the question or how many times it’s asked, the candidates from both parties just seem to drone on and on. If you think you don’t suffer from the same problems as the presidential candidates, think again. You probably do, and if you don’t, you know someone who does.

With all the consultants and advisors the candidates are using to win their party’s nomination, you’d think that at some point there would be a briefing that started, “Let’s try to answer questions concisely and precisely during this debate and see if our numbers go up.”

Have you ever been in a conversation with a person who has already made his point but just won’t let it go? Worse yet, are you that person? Some people love the sound of their own voices, while others may simply chatter on out of nervousness or because they are uncomfortable with silence. Regardless, it’s annoying and counterproductive.

Many people unconsciously, repetitively make decisions to keep talking until the anxiety of silence goes away, or they’re convinced that the dead horse is sufficiently beaten. Underlying this behavior is often a lack of confidence and clarity around their point or position.

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