The Feedback Tightrope: Is "You Talk A Lot" a Compliment or a Critique?

As content creators, we pour our time, energy, and creativity into our work. We hit publish, share, and then... we wait. We wait for reactions, for engagement, and for that most valuable (and sometimes most perplexing) thing: feedback.

Recently, after viewing a few videos, someone offered a concise observation: "You do talk a lot in your videos."

If you've ever received a comment like this, you know the immediate mental scramble that follows. Is it a good thing? A bad thing? An observation? A gentle nudge for improvement? How on earth are we supposed to take it?

Let's untangle this common piece of ambiguous feedback.

The Nuance of "Talking a Lot"

The beauty (and frustration) of this particular comment is its neutrality. "You talk a lot" isn't inherently positive or negative. It's an observation, a statement of fact from the viewer's perspective. The real question lies in the unspoken context and the viewer's intent.

When "Talking a Lot" Could Be a Compliment:

Believe it or not, this comment can absolutely be a positive signal, especially depending on your content and audience.

1. Engaging & Informative: If your audience is tuning in for deep dives, tutorials, or detailed explanations, "talking a lot" means you're providing value. You're thorough, you're not skipping corners, and you're covering everything they want to know.
2. Passionate & Authentic: When you're genuinely excited about your topic, that enthusiasm often translates into more detailed speech. Viewers might perceive it as authentic, making them feel more connected to you and your content.
3. Building Connection: Some creators build their brand on being conversational and relatable. "Talking a lot" can mean you're creating a friendly, chatty atmosphere that makes viewers feel like they're having a conversation with a friend.
4. Expertise & Authority: If you're an expert in your field, extensive talking can establish your authority. You're demonstrating a deep understanding and a willingness to share your knowledge generously.

When "Talking a Lot" Might Be a Critique:

On the flip side, the comment could also be a subtle (or not-so-subtle) hint that there's room for improvement.

1. Lacking Conciseness: Are you getting to the point quickly enough? In an age of short attention spans, some viewers prefer quick, punchy content. "Talking a lot" could mean you're rambling, repeating yourself, or taking too long to deliver key information.
2. Poor Pacing/Editing: Is there dead air? Are your sentences overly long or convoluted? Sometimes, it's not just the quantity of words, but the way they're delivered and edited. Viewers might be wishing for tighter scripts or more aggressive editing to keep things moving.
3. Off-Topic Diversions: Do you find yourself straying from the main topic? While a little personality is great, too many tangents can frustrate viewers who are looking for specific information or entertainment.
4. Visual Overload, Audio Underload: In some video formats, the visuals should tell more of the story. If your videos are visually rich but you're still doing a lot of explaining, it might indicate an imbalance that could be improved by letting the visuals speak more.

How to Process This Ambiguous Feedback:

So, what do you do when faced with this verbal tightrope?

1. Don't React Emotionally (Immediately): Your first instinct might be to get defensive or disheartened. Take a breath. This isn't a direct attack; it's data.
2. Consider the Source (If Possible): Is this a regular, engaged viewer? A new subscriber? Or someone who just stumbled upon your content? The weight of the feedback can shift based on who's giving it.
3. Look for Patterns: Is this an isolated comment, or have you heard variations of it before? If multiple people are saying something similar, it might be a stronger indicator that there's something to explore.
4. Review Your Own Content Objectively: This is crucial. Watch your videos from a fresh perspective.
• What's the goal of this video? Does my talking style align with that goal? (e.g., A detailed tutorial vs. a quick product review.)
• Am I delivering value with every sentence? Or am I using filler words, repeating points, or going off-topic?
• Could I convey this information more efficiently? Could a visual aid replace some spoken explanation?
• Does my talking style fit my brand and personality?
5. Reflect on Your Intent: Why do you "talk a lot"? Is it a deliberate choice to be thorough and engaging, or is it an unconscious habit? Understanding your own motivations can help you decide if it's something you want to adjust.
6. Don't Be Afraid to Clarify (Gently): If the comment was on a platform where you can respond, a gentle clarification might be appropriate: "Thanks for the feedback! Just curious, were you hoping for a quicker pace, or more visuals to break things up?" (Be careful not to sound defensive.)
7. Prioritise Your Vision (Within Reason): Ultimately, your content needs to align with your vision and goals. You can't please everyone. If "talking a lot" is integral to your style and what your core audience loves, then own it! If, however, you discover a legitimate area for improvement that aligns with your goal of delivering better content, then consider making adjustments.

The Bottom Line

"You do talk a lot in your videos" is a fantastic piece of ambiguous feedback because it forces introspection. It's a mirror held up to your creative process, prompting you to consider your intentions, impact, and alignment with your audience's expectations.

It's neither a definitive compliment nor a damning criticism until you decide what it means for your channel. Use it as a prompt for growth, not a reason for self-doubt.

How do you interpret ambiguous feedback like this? Share your thoughts below!