When someone wants to talk to you but instead of getting to the point, they skirt around the issue by talking about other, less important things. Also when there is a
big point to make, but you are nervous and can't get right into the
big point without telling a meaningless
story or two.
My Boss: Well, Kevin, I wanted to talk to you today. Please sit down.
Me: Is there a problem
Jesse?
My Boss: Not really, but how are you doing today Kevin?
Me: I'm doing fine I guess. But what was it you wanted to talk to me about?
My Boss: Don't worry, we'll get to that. First, I want to tell you about when I started with the company ten years ag-
Me: Look
Jesse, I have a lot of reports to run, so if you don't mind
cutting out the conversational fore-play, and let'
s talk business?
(Actual conversational foreplay with my boss)