Which Personality Types are the Most Talkative?

By Dr. A.J. Drenth

Which of the Myers-Briggs personality types are the most talkative? Many people mistakenly assume that Extraversion – Introversion is the only relevant factor when it comes to this topic.

While acknowledging that there will be variations in talkativeness according to the context of a situation, there are several personality preferences / functions that generally affect talkativeness and sociability. In addition to Extraverts (E) generally talking more than Introverts (I), I will contend that Intuitives (N), Judgers (J), and types using Extraverted Feeling (Fe) are more talkative than Sensors (S), Perceivers (P), and types using Introverted Feeling (Fi).

Intuitives (N) More Talkative than Sensors (S)

On average, Intuitives tend to talk more than Sensing types. The abstract capacities of intuition contribute to linguistic proficiency, as well as a penchant for verbally exploring and communicating ideas. One can readily witness this difference in talkativeness, for instance, between ESP (i.e., ESFP & ESTP) and ENP (i.e., ENTP & ENFP) types. ESPs, whose dominant function is Extraverted Sensing (Se), tend to be more interested in securing novel sensory stimulation or engaging in physical action. While ESPs can be well-spoken, they are typically less chatty or verbally explorative than ENPs.

Judgers (J) More Talkative than Perceivers (P)

Generally speaking, Judging types are more “left-brained” than Perceiving types. The left brain is associated with language and verbal forms of communication. The right brain is more body-based and uses non-verbal (e.g., visual / kinesthetic) types of communication.

Since J types judge rather than perceive outwardly, they generally prefer to talk more than listen. Intuitive Judgers (NJ types), in particular, can launch into lengthy diatribes on all sorts of topics. Such differences are most readily observed in one-on-one conversations. All factors being equal (e.g., E-I, S-N, T-F), J types do more of the talking while Perceivers intermittently interject questions, comments, or clarifications.

Fe Types More Talkative than Fi Types

Extraverted Feeling (Fe) is an interpersonal function. It seeks to connect with and broadly establish emotional rapport with others. It encourages open disclosure of feelings and outer consensus of feelings and values.

Introverted Feeling (Fi), by contrast, is an intrapersonal function. Whenever possible, it prefers to handle emotional issues inwardly and independently. This is why ISFPs, who use Fi as their dominant function, are among the least talkative of all types.

Talkativeness Rankings for the 16 Personality Types

In order to rank the personality types according to talkativeness, I decided to give one point for each of the following preferences / functions—E, N, J—as well as one point for each type with Fe in the dominant or auxiliary position, and 0.5 point for types with Fe in the tertiary or inferior position. So here’s what we end up with: