CHEAP TALK vs EXPENSIVE TALK
Talk connects, conveys, and persuades by verbal communication spreading ideas through dialogue.
Cheap implies a lack of quality or value. Cheap talk is communication that is:
- costless to transmit and receive
- non-binding (i.e. does not limit strategic choices by either party)
- unverifiable (i.e. cannot be verified by a third party like a court)
CHEAP TALK:
Words that cost nothing to say—low risk, low effort, low consequence.
It’s the fluff of communication:
- vague promises (“I’ll get to it”)
- empty platitudes (“Thoughts and prayers”)
- opinions with no backbone.
In Game Theory, it’s talk that doesn’t shift outcomes, so it’s easy to fake or dodge.
Think of it as verbal small change—plentiful but not worth much.
Expensive Talk:
Words with weight, backed by action, sacrifice, or vulnerability.
It’s costly because it commits the speaker—
- think apologies with amends
- bold predictions with accountability
- truths that risk rejection.
This is the gold standard of speech: rare, real, and resonant.
Why Cheap Talk Works:
It’s low-friction—perfect for casual interactions or dodging responsibility.
It thrives where stakes are low or attention’s fleeting, like a politician’s soundbite or a coworker’s “Let’s circle back.”
It’s not always bad—it can signal intent or keep things civil—but it collapses under pressure.
Why Expensive Talk Cuts Deep:
It’s a signal of sincerity because it’s hard to fake.
When someone says, “I’ll quit if this fails,” and means it, you listen.
It’s tied to outcomes—reputation, relationships, results—so it demands follow-through.
The cost makes it credible.
Where Cheap Talk Dominates:
Social media’s a petri dish—endless posts, likes, and rants that rarely translate to action.
Think performative activism or trending hashtags that vanish by next week.
It’s loud but hollow, amplified by algorithms that reward noise over substance.
Where Expensive Talk Shines:
Moments of crisis or conviction. Historical heavyweights like MLK or modern whistleblowers don’t just speak—they stake their lives on it.
Expensive talk stands out in a sea of cheapness because it’s scarce and carries scars.
Discerning…
The Telltale Signs:
Cheap talk is slippery—vague, safe, or overly polished.
Expensive talk feels raw—specific, risky, and often uncomfortable.
Listen for what’s at stake
A friend who says, “I’ll help,” then ghosts is cheap;
The friends who shows up at 3 a.m. with no fanfare is expensive.
Why It Matters:
Cheap talk erodes trust over time; expensive talk builds it. In a world flooded with words, spotting the spenders from the bluffers is how you navigate noise.
People’s verbal currency reveals their character—pay attention to what they’re willing to pay.
Cheap vs. Expensive in Action:
Cheap talk is a mask—easy to wear, easier to ditch.
Expensive talk is a mirror—reflecting intent and forcing accountability.
One’s a shortcut; the other’s a commitment.
Similar Idioms:
actions speak louder than words
put your money where your mouth is
don’t talk the talk if you don’t walk the walk
Drafts and thoughts on next page 2
