If you define ‘need’ very loosely then the statement becomes pretty meaningless but I agree with it.

Otherwise there are many scenarios where I disagree with it.

There is lots of valuable talking that happens that doesn’t strictly need to be said.

Small talk is important for relationships.

Anyone learning a language needs to talk a lot just for the sake of talking. Even if nothing needs to be said.

Sometimes people need to be and feel heard to feel welcome in a group. It’s easy to say that the content of the conversation isn’t nearly as important as the act of having the conversation.