How to Stop Oneself from Nervous Chattering

There at times in life when people know they need to stop while they are ahead and quit talking. Despite their best efforts, this nervous chattering digs them a deeper verbal pit or just plain embarrasses them because they can't stop. Here's how to stop this habit and keep quiet when you want.

Instructions

• 1

  Take a deep breath and relax before you speak. The tension from nervousness can be somewhat alleviated if you just relax before you start talking.

• 2

  Ask a friend or significant other to give you a signal when you are nervously chattering away. Sometimes, people just do not realize they are chattering even though they are aware it can be a problem for them.

• 3

  Stay away from conversation topics that make you nervous. There are certain subjects that make some people nervous. If these topics surface, either walk away or change the subject as soon as possible.

• 4

  Enroll in a speech class at the local college or annex to help the problem. In these classes, the teacher can offer hints and tips as to why you are chattering nervously when you talk. Many people have a natural fear of public speaking, and this class may assist you in getting over that fear that causes the nervous chattering.

• 5

  Put a mental limit on the number of words you say at a time. This can be difficult, but when you are talking, make a mental note that you are going to say no more than 10 words. The specific number does not matter. What matters is that you placing a finite boundary on the uttered words. Then count them as you speak and stop when you get near the maximum. This will force you slow down your speech and talk at a normal pace.

• 6

  Practice talking in front of a mirror or around close friends. If you concentrate on your speech pattern closely, you can eventually slow down the nervous chatter to a manageable pace.