One approach could be to engage with them in a way that helps them get to the point. For example, I could ask them specific questions like 'What's the main takeaway from this story?' or 'How does this story relate to what we were talking about before?' This can sometimes make them realize that they are rambling and encourage them to be more concise. Also, if it's someone I know well, I might have a friendly chat with them later about how their long stories can be a bit much sometimes, but in a very kind and understanding way.
Well, I might interrupt them gently. I could say something like 'This is really fascinating, but I have a quick question about something else that's on my mind right now.' This way, I can steer the conversation in a different direction. Another option is to be more direct and say that I'm short on time and need to focus on other things.
If you don't want to be too direct, you can start giving short, non - encouraging responses. Like just nodding or saying 'hmm' in a less enthusiastic way. Eventually, the person might get the hint that you're not really interested in their long - winded story.
Some people might be trying to fill an awkward silence or gain attention. They think that by telling a long story, they can hold the spotlight and make others interested in them. Another possibility is that they lack self - awareness and don't understand how their long - windedness affects others.
Such a person could be called a 'windbag' or a 'rambler'.
Often, people lack good communication skills. They don't know how to be concise and engaging. So instead of getting to the point, they go on and on with unnecessary details. For example, when trying to tell a simple joke, they end up adding so many side stories that the punchline gets lost.
Well, it depends on the relationship. If it's a close friend, I might be more indulgent. However, if it's someone I don't know well, I might try to find an excuse to end the conversation. I could say something like 'This has been great, but I have an appointment I need to get to.' Sometimes, I also try to find common ground where we can have a more concise conversation.
Well, there was this cat. It liked to sit in a corner and stare at a wall. All day long it would just sit there. It didn't chase mice, it didn't play with toys. It just stared. And every day was the same. It was a long, pointless story of a cat that seemed to have no purpose other than staring at that wall. It made people wonder what was going on in its little cat brain, but it never showed any sign of changing its behavior.
Long pointless stories usually have excessive details that don't contribute to the overall meaning. They could involve a lot of unnecessary descriptions of things like the color of every flower in the park when it has no bearing on the so - called 'point' of the story. It's like the storyteller is just rambling without a proper narrative structure.
A long time ago, there was a village. In this village, there was a very strange old woman. She had a collection of stones. Every day, she would take all the stones out of her collection and arrange them in a long line. Then she would walk along the line and touch each stone. After that, she would rearrange them in a different order and do the same thing again. This went on day after day, a really long and pointless activity. Nobody knew why she did it, not even her. But she never stopped.
You can also set some boundaries at the beginning of the conversation. Say something like 'I only have a few minutes, so let's just talk about the main points.' This way, they know from the start that you're not up for a long - winded tale. And if they still start a long story, you can remind them gently of what you said earlier. It's important to be kind though, as they may not be aware that their long - story - telling can be a bit much for others.
Stay focused on the main idea. Before you start telling a story, figure out what the key point is that you want to convey. For example, if it's about a funny incident at work, don't deviate into talking about your commute to work unless it's relevant to the incident.