It's now official: a Manchester University study has found women talk more than men. Why? Vocal chords more flexible? Yes. Different speechmaking factory ('Broca's convolution') in the brain? Yes. One (male) researcher's theory: 'Women don't worry so much as men about thinking before they speak'.

What's more, tall men stand closer to talk than short ones. Latin peoples are more likely to touch while talking.

Men talk mostly about money, work, sex, home, love, sport, politics and hobbies, in that order. Women? Love, money, home, sex, other women, hobbies and work. And in conversation what you say is less important than the way you say it.

Apt words have power to suage the tumours of a troubled mind,
And are as balm to festered wounds.

Lord, may my words be sweet, for some day I may have to eat them! Amen.