2006-11-16 06:13:27 · 13 answers · asked by Curious Georgetta 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Talking to a person ensures that you also listen as well. Talking at a person is when you don't care what they believe or say you just want to talk. It is like talking to a wall.
2006-11-16 06:15:54 · answer #1 · answered by queenmaeve172000 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The correct for most uses is "talking to" someone which means there is a conversation going on. I think "talking at" someone implys that the other person is only listening and has no choice to do so. You'd never really use it in writing as it's a clunky way of expressing this situation. The other use of "tlaking at" is where you are giving a talk at a meeting.
e..g. I saw Rachel talking to the new girl Rebecca in the hallway.
e.g. Next week Rachel will be talking at the region assembly of redheaded prostitutes.
2006-11-16 14:18:32 · answer #2 · answered by rchlbsxy2 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Before I attempt to answer your question, I'd like to help to encourage you to talk with people, rather than to or at.
The business of talking at people is usally the byproduct of one persons sense of superiority or authority, which is generally self perceived.
Talking to someone is really little more than directing words to a certain person.
eg.
Talking at: I told you that you had best not do that, yet you did it anyway.
Talking to: We previously spoke about the fact that you should not do that. Can you please explain to me why you did it anyway.
Talking with: I'd like to have a discussion with you about a conversation we once had, when I explained that you should not do that.
These may not be the best examples, however, I hope I helped.
Talking at people is rude, impolite, crass and generally self defeating. Talking with people opens channels for constructive dialogue and is especially useful in any situation that calls for diplomacy.
You're welcome and I hope that someone provides you with some better examples.l
2006-11-16 14:35:09 · answer #3 · answered by calldrsalsa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talking "at" a person is when you share your opinions, but you aren't really interested in listening to that person. It often feels like you have planned out what you were going to say without listening to the other person's contribution. Talking "to" someone is a lot more reciprocal.
2006-11-17 12:25:48 · answer #4 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok,,,, talking to someone is "Have you ever thought about atheism? What do you think of it? (wait for response). Oh, i see, and you thought this why? (wait for response and your next question reflects this) and this would be because of THIS, I am thinking?"
Talking at someone is..."Atheism is the greatest thing ever! I love it more than rock and roll and you should too and here is why!!! You have freedom of thought! You are free to lay in bed on sunday morning!" Etc
2006-11-16 14:16:54 · answer #5 · answered by Black Parade Billie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well when you are talking to someone you are having a conversation. "How was your day today?" If you are talking at someone it's one-sided, "Go pick up your socks off the couch." That's what I think anyway.
2006-11-16 14:16:15 · answer #6 · answered by puggas 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When a wife or girlfriend is trying to explain the difference between cutting material on the bias or cutting it on the straight to her husband -. THAT is talking AT.
When she is saying, "I have a cold six pack for you in the refrigerator." That is talking TO.
2006-11-16 14:17:16 · answer #7 · answered by NANCY K 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
talking to someone you have give and take
you talk they respond they talk you respond back and forth
talking at someone is more like your telling them they better listen or else..
like what some parents do to their children, listen or else...
good luck
smile
2006-11-16 18:25:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I am talking to someone there is a we component.If talking AT someone I am voicing myself without regard to their thoughts or opinions.
2006-11-18 07:25:59 · answer #9 · answered by tamara.knsley@sbcglobal.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
talking to someone: lately, i've noticed that u've had problems at work & i think it would help u to talk to someone.
talking at someone: u've become lazy & despondent at work, get it together or get out! notice the difference?
2006-11-16 14:55:56 · answer #10 · answered by lady sixx 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋