Chatterbox Careers: 7 Jobs for Talkative People

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• August 16, 2011
• By Annie Favreau
• 12 Comments

Being a chatterbox can land you in professional hot water — nobody likes the office gossip, right? Yet in reality, a talkative personality is a requirement for many jobs.  So if you’re someone who takes verbal communication to a whole new level, consider playing into your strengths. Choose a career that leverages your talk talent.

Here’s our pick for top seven careers for talkative people:

Simultaneous Interpreter

Whether you’re translating Español, Français, or Afrikaans, simultaneous interpreters are guaranteed to talk. A lot. You won’t speak your own words, but you also won’t have any downtime to reflect on that fact; you’ll be focused on translating between two people having a real-time conversation. In one ear, and out the other — only in a different language.

Average salary: $40,000–$77,000

Salesperson

This is the classic chatterbox job. Whether you’re a high-powered product ambassador pushing the latest brand of whiskey or a footwear salesperson selling low-tops at the local shoe store, your goal is the same: leverage your ability to talk, talk, talk to inspire potential costumers to buy, buy, buy. Another plus? The job outlook. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 27 percent of hiring managers are planning to offer sales positions this year.

Average salary: $35,000–$72,000

Public Relations Rep

Best known for their damage-control work, PR reps craft words and stories to maintain a positive image of their clients. Your vocal chords will get a workout as you make announcements in front of a camera, network at gala events, speak with clients on the phone and smooth over public faux pas with your fast-talking skills.

Average salary: $39,000–$72,000

Emergency Room Nurse

Emergency room nurses can’t lose their voices under pressure. Asking and answering questions, giving directions, and working within teams of medical professionals, you will rely on precise and effective dialogue to help save lives. It’s fast, unpredictable work that requires someone who likes to be in constant communication. And healthcare careers aren’t just appealing because of the gab-factor; The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says nursing is one of the fastest growing jobs in the country.

Average salary: $52,500–$78,000

College Recruiter

Did you love your alma mater? Why not spend 24/7 spreading the word as a college recruiter? Your rousing speeches, informative question-and-answer sessions, and one-on-one discussions with potential students and their parents will convince fresh faces and impressionable young minds into the hallowed halls of academia. You’re basically the salesperson of the Ivory Tower set.

Average salary: $60,800–$116,000

News Anchor

You get to combine all the fun parts of journalism — namely, asking lots of questions and picking the brains of sources, all in the name of tracking down a story — with the added bonus of going on-camera to share your findings with the world (or at least anyone who’s tuning in). There can’t be a moment of dead air time, so it’s your job to fill the airwaves with informative facts and, in a pinch, entertaining small talk.

Average salary: $32,400–$81,200

Political Organizer

Use your gift of gab to rouse the rabble. This job is social to its core: You will talk with hundreds of people as you coordinate petition signings, voter registration, and fundraising campaigns supporting your political endeavor of choice. Your silver tongue motivates citizens to take action, give money, and support the cause.

Average salary: $29,220–$49,600

Annie Favreau writes for Inside Jobs, a career exploration site where people can discover what opportunities exist and learn what paths can take them there.

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