Do you work with a Blowhard?

byBeanca

171 followers

10 years ago

PROFILE OF A BLOWHARD

A sensitive topic. We all have somebody in our office we would rather avoid because that person is, let's face it, a blowhard. I love this word...when I looked it up in the Urban Dictionnary, I was delighted with the range of results:

Windbag; braggart; boaster; pompous egomaniac; know-it-all; someone who shamelessly talks too loudly and for too long on the same subject.

I am sure that those of you who have read this far can already picture, on the landscape of your minds, the face of the person who fits this description.

I am always mystified by how blowhards operate. How is it that they think others are interested in what they have to say? My fascination with blowhards has helped me to draw up a brief list of their common characteristics:

• Extravert
• Decent IQ
• Low EQ
• Over 30 (it takes time to become a true blowhard)
• Negative disposition

HOW THE BLOWHARD OPERATES

In a social function like a company picnic, BBQ or a reception, the blowhard will usually sidle up to a person or latch onto a group of people. In fact, the bigger his audience, the more stimulated he gets. In a group, the blowhard will take a few moments to assess the topic of conversation. Once he has it clear, he hijacks the conversation.

HIJACKING THE CONVERSATION

The blowhard is a master at hijacking a conversation. Hijacking a conversation happens when somebody is speaking and suddenly, the blowhard seizes the topic and monopolizes the discussion such that it is no longer a discussion. The blowhard will talk endlessly about himself with little (or no) regard to how interested his audience may be. He misses big social cues like people looking at their wristwatches, yawning and not maintaining eye contact. People in the group will, one-by-one, excuse themselves until you're the last sucker left standing. Now you're trapped.

HOW TO ESCAPE

The best is to avoid the blowhard in the first place so that you don't get trapped with him. The second important element is to cover your bases. In advance of the function, ask a colleague to call your cell phone if he or she sees you trapped with the blowhard, when the call comes in, excuse yourself from the blowhard and take the call. Finally, if there is no exit possible, be patient and gracious.

You can also escape a blowhard by becoming self-employed. If you are interested in starting your own business online, go with Wealthy Affiliate! There is nothing better out there in terms of learning platforms!

I welcome all comments and questions!

Sincerely,Beanca - Founder

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