Walking down the street while muttering to yourself often feels embarrassing. People might stare or think something is wrong.
However, talking to yourself is not a sign of madness. On the contrary, it is a sign of high cognitive function.
This habit has a scientific name: External Self-Talk. Here is why geniuses do it and why you should start.
The brain processes thousands of thoughts per minute. Speaking out loud is the only way to slow that stream down.
The “Rubber Duck” Method
Why do programmers talk to inanimate objects?
Basically, there is a concept called “Rubber Duck Debugging.” When a coder is stuck, they explain the code line-by-line to a rubber duck on their desk.
By doing this, they force their brain to slow down and articulate the problem. Consequently, they usually find the solution before they finish the explanation.
Thinking is fast and chaotic. Speaking is slow and structured. Speaking forces the brain to organize the chaos.
3 Reasons to Start Narrating Your Life
Do not keep it all inside. Let it out.
1. It Improves Memory
Going to the grocery store and forgetting the milk is annoying.
The Fix: Say the item out loud. “I need milk. I need milk.”
A study published in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology proved that saying a word out loud makes the brain visualize it faster. Therefore, saying it makes it “stick” better than just thinking it.
2. It Regulates Emotions
When anxiety hits, the inner voice often becomes a critic. It screams, “You are messing up!”
However, speaking to yourself in the third person changes everything. Say, “[Name], you are doing fine.”
This creates “Self-Distancing.” It tricks the brain into thinking you are talking to a friend, which instantly lowers cortisol levels.
3. It Sharpen Focus
Multitasking is a myth. The brain wanders easily.
Talking out loud keeps the brain on track. Saying, “I am putting the keys in the bowl” forces the mind to be present in that exact moment.
As a result, fewer items get lost, and tasks get finished faster.
Common Questions About Self-Talk
Is it weird to do this in public?
Maybe a little. If you are in a crowded room, just whisper. The effect is the same.
Does it matter what I say?
Yes. Negative self-talk (“I am so stupid”) hurts you. Instructional self-talk (“Okay, step one is done”) helps you.
Why do I do it more when I am stressed?
Stress overloads working memory. Your brain automatically starts talking to “offload” some of the pressure.
Conclusion
Silence is overrated.
So, talk to the duck. Narrate your grocery trip. Be the crazy person on the bus. Your brain will thank you for the clarity.
Tell me in the comments: Do you have full conversations with yourself? I definitely interview myself in the shower.
