2006-08-28 00:06:55 · 10 answers · asked by Pete 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
If you're talking at someone, you aren't paying attention to what they're trying to say back. You're just lecturing, or talking to hear your own voice, or some such. If you're talking to someone, you're actually exchanging ideas and listening to each other's point of view.
2006-08-28 08:08:08 · answer #1 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When someone says "don't talk at me" to you they are meaning that you are sounding like a machinethat just continues on and on without any feeling and without caring if you can interpret or gain anything from what it are saying.
When someone says" talk to me", it means more of a one on one conversation. They want to be able to absorb what you are saying and be able to ask questions if they have any! It humanizes what is being said from that person to you!
So if someone says the whole phrase "don't talk at me, talk to me", you are being to factual and sounding like a machine, and they want you to be more human and understanding with what you are trying to convey to them!
2006-08-28 01:55:21 · answer #2 · answered by babeee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I take it as someone who is trying to tell you something but is not looking at you. Example, your boss at work is telling you about a project he wants you to do, but is telling you this while flipping through papers, that's "talking at me". Same scenario, but instead of flipping through papers, he's looking at you talking about the project, that's "talking to me". That's what I understand from the phrases you asked about.
2006-08-28 00:10:55 · answer #3 · answered by morningstar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually take this comment to mean that my explanation or sales pitch is not relevant to the audience I am directing it to. I'm talking and talking, but it's just not getting through to them.
2006-08-28 10:56:25 · answer #4 · answered by Freddie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talking "at" someone indicates the speaker is not interested in a reciprocal coversation. Talking "to" or "with" someone is a reciprocal activity. What do you think?
2006-08-28 00:10:45 · answer #5 · answered by indian_ernie42 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talking at someone is to be condescending talking to someone is showing respect.
2006-08-28 00:09:50 · answer #6 · answered by Sherry M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are saying don't stuff your thoughts down my throat, I will listen if you treat me, and my opinions, with respect..
2006-08-28 03:50:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means your probably shallow and not sincere with the person.
2006-08-28 00:08:31 · answer #8 · answered by Ricknows 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen to my reply.
2006-08-28 11:20:00 · answer #9 · answered by rhymer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont try to control me but level with me
2006-08-28 00:08:54 · answer #10 · answered by even l 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋