Hi. Long time Bard player and captain of the Bards Kick ass society. Nice to meet you.
Bards are a very versatile class but not always strong in combat, and that is what most people base their wrong analysis on. In a solo game a bard is perfect. They have lots of skills you can have him use, they have a bit of magic including healing magic and that can be a life saver, they have great interaction ability with anyone.
Also, if he wants to talk to creatures, let him. In the mind flayer example, I can see the Mind Flayer responding in a curious manner like if your hamburger started talking to you. it can be some great role playing and also through what the MF says show just how evil they are.