Have You Ever Caught Yourself Talking Out Loud While Working Through A Pickle?

Most people assume that talking to yourself is a sign of absentmindedness, or worse a mental illness.  Actually science now suggests the opposite...thank goodness. Verbal processing or speaking your thoughts out loud actually enhances cognitive brain function, improves focus, and strengthens problem-solving abilities.

This isn’t just a random habit either; it’s a powerful tool that can make us more efficient, creative, and mentally sharp. Studies have now shown that self-talk helps with memory retention, decision-making, and even emotional regulation. Whether we’re working through a complex problem, preparing for an important conversation, or just trying to organize our thoughts. Believe it or not speaking out loud can be a next-level secret weapon.

The Power of Verbal Processing

Verbal processing refers to the act of speaking thoughts out loud as a way to organize and understand them better. When you think silently, our mind can easily become cluttered with multiple ideas competing for attention. But when we say things aloud, we externalize our thoughts, making them easier to structure and evaluate.

Research from the University of Wisconsin found that verbalizing a thought helps clarify thinking by engaging both the auditory and motor areas of the brain. This dual engagement forces our brain to process information in a more structured and logical way. It’s why teachers often encourage students to explain concepts out loud because it reinforces learning and deepens the understanding.

Why Hearing Yourself Improves Problem-Solving

When we talk to ourself, we’re essentially having an mental dialogue turned audible. This can make complex ideas easier to process because our brain treats spoken language differently than internal thought.

One of the main reasons self-talk enhances problem-solving is that hearing our own voice helps slow down your thinking, allowing us to analyze each part of the problem separately.

Like right now as I'm writing this article, I'm taking the time to read it out loud once I'm done writing. This way I can monitor: one how it sounds for scripting, but also how it reads when you... my reader goes through it. I do this so often now, it's literally become a part of how I write daily.  

This is especially useful when we're dealing with tasks that require multi-step reasoning or abstract thinking. A study published in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology found that people who spoke their problem-solving steps out loud, performed significantly better on complex tasks than those who worked through the problems silently.

The reason is that verbalization forces us to articulate not only what we know but also what we don’t know. It highlights gaps in our understanding, making it easier to identify mistakes and adjust our approach accordingly.

How to Use Smart Self-Talk Techniques

Using self-talk effectively isn’t just about randomly speaking out loud—it’s about structuring your verbal thoughts in a way that enhances clarity and productivity. One of the best ways to do this is by using instructional self-talk, which involves guiding yourself through a task step by step.

This is particularly useful in high-pressure situations where focus is key. For example, athletes often use instructional self-talk during competitions, saying things like “Focus on your breathing” or “Follow through on the shot” to reinforce proper technique.

Another effective method is motivational self-talk, where you encourage yourself with positive statements. Studies have shown that people who use affirming phrases like “I’ve got this” or “I can figure this out” perform better under stress and experience lower levels of anxiety.

Another technique is third-person self-talk, which involves referring to yourself by name instead of using “I.” Now I have to admit this one literally throws me for a loop. As I'mm writing I stopped and did this one...and it immediately "Felt" different. Maybe it's the saying my name part with it...but just sayin' I could literally feel that doing this makes a difference... Try It!

Research from Michigan State University found that people who spoke to themselves in the third person—saying things like “John, you need to stay focused”—experienced less emotional distress and were able to think more objectively about their situation. This method helps create psychological distance, allowing for a more rational and less emotionally charged approach to problem-solving.

Final Thoughts

Far from being a sign of forgetfulness or eccentricity, talking to ourself is actually a highly effective cognitive tool. It enhances memory, improves focus, and strengthens problem-solving skills by forcing our brain to process information more deeply.

Whether we’re working through a complex situation, trying to stay focused on a task, or just organizing our thoughts, speaking out loud can make a huge difference in how effectively we think. So the next time you find yourself talking through a problem, don’t be embarrassed...embrace it.

It's a little known mental advantage.

What about you, how often have you caught yourself talking out loud? I can honestly say that for me it's at least 8 times a day...is that a lot...or do you do it more...I'd love to chat it out. 

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