Rev. Benjamin Boateng has cautioned that careless communication can damage relationships, expose confidential information and create unnecessary conflicts, urging individuals to exercise self-control and think carefully before speaking.
Speaking on managing a loose talker on Nyansapo Fie, Plan B FM’s family, relationship and lifestyle programme, hosted by Akosua Gyamfua. The guest, Rev. Boateng described a loose talker as someone who speaks without considering the consequences of their words, often revealing confidential information and sharing details without regard for who might be listening.
He explained that such individuals frequently engage in gossip, spread rumours, disclose secrets and make inappropriate comments, which could eventually land them in trouble.
Rev. Boateng noted that some people engage in loose talk to attract attention or demonstrate that they possess information others do not know, making them feel important.
He cautioned that maintaining a close relationship with someone who cannot keep secrets requires careful consideration, as confidential information shared with such individuals may eventually be disclosed to others.
According to him, loose talk is often associated with a lack of personal boundaries, poor impulse control and the inability to filter information before speaking.
He identified the desire for attention, insecurity, lack of self-control, peer pressure and the need to feel important as some of the factors that contribute to the behaviour.
Rev. Boateng further explained that being outspoken, talkative and a loose talker are different, stressing that the distinction lies in the nature and intention of what a person says.
He described an outspoken person as someone who expresses opinions directly and honestly, while a talkative individual enjoys speaking frequently and engaging in conversations.
A loose talker, however, is someone who reveals confidential information, spreads rumours or speaks without considering the consequences of their words.
He added that loose talk could be intentional or unintentional, explaining that some individuals deliberately disclose information, while others do so accidentally because they speak faster than they think.
Addressing whether loose talkers can change, Rev. Boateng said the behaviour can be corrected if individuals are willing to work on themselves and become more conscious of their communication habits.
He explained that people can improve by slowing down when speaking, thinking carefully before sharing information and learning to filter their words.
To manage loose talk, Rev. Boateng advised individuals to develop an information filter by carefully considering what they share, when they share it and with whom they share it.
He also encouraged people to learn how to delay sharing information instead of immediately passing it on, particularly when the information is confidential or could affect another person’s reputation.
Rev. Boateng emphasised the importance of establishing verbal boundaries and exercising self-control, urging individuals to think before speaking and understand that not every piece of information they know must be shared.
By: Lydia Owusu
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