Women Talk More Than Men? What the Research Really Says
Many people believe women talk more than men. This idea is common in jokes, TV shows, and everyday life. But is it really true? Let’s look at what science says about how much women and men talk. You might be surprised!
Where Did This Idea Come From?
For a long time, people have said that women talk too much. Some even believed women spoke thousands of words more than men every day.
One famous claim came from a book called The Female Brain (2006). It said women use about 20,000 words a day, while men use only 7,000. But scientists later found this number was not based on real studies.
In fact, a study from 2007 by Dr. Matthias Mehl showed something very different. His team recorded the daily conversations of nearly 400 people. They found that both men and women spoke about 16,000 words a day. Almost the same!
What Recent Research Shows
Modern studies tell us that women and men talk about the same amount overall.
A 2020 review of many studies found no big difference in the number of words men and women use. In some cases, men talk more—like in meetings or groups. In other cases, women may talk more—like with friends or family.
Here’s what matters:
Context matters. Where and with whom people are talking changes everything.
The topic matters. People speak more about things they care about, no matter their gender.
Personality matters. Extroverts talk more than introverts, whether they’re men or women.
Why the Stereotype Stays
If science shows women don’t talk more than men, why do people still think so?
Old beliefs. This idea has been around for centuries
Media and jokes. TV, movies, and jokes often repeat the idea.
Selective memory. People remember times when women talked more but forget times when men did.
These reasons keep the myth alive.
The Truth About Talking
Talking more does not mean better communication. Good communication is about:
✅ Listening well
✅ Speaking clearly
✅ Being kind and respectful
Men and women both have something important to say. We should listen to people, not to old myths.
FAQ
Do women really say 20,000 words a day and men only 7,000?
No. Studies show both men and women say about 16,000 words a day on average.
Do women talk more in all situations?
No. It depends on where they are and who they are with. Sometimes men talk more.
Why do people believe women talk more?
Because of old ideas, media, and how we notice and remember conversations.
Does talking more mean better communication?
No. Communication is about quality, not quantity.
Sources
Mehl, M. R. et al. (2007). Science. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1139940
Leaper, C., & Ayres, M. M. (2007). Personality and Social Psychology Review.
Park, S. et al. (2020). Personality and Social Psychology Review.
