Self-speech is common behavior

People often speak aloud to themselves in places like the kitchen, car, or street, questioning whether this behavior is normal. This phenomenon, called self-speech, is a form of inner dialogue that becomes audible. Researchers have studied whether it indicates intelligence, stress, loneliness, or early signs of mental health issues, and whether it reveals new insights into brain function.

Self-speech aids in object search

Psychologist Gary Lupyan found that saying the name of an object aloud while searching for it helps locate it faster. His experiments showed that naming activates more information about the object, such as its appearance, which supports memory and attention. This suggests that speaking aloud can improve cognitive processes.

Self-speech helps organize thoughts

Speaking aloud also structures thinking by forcing individuals to organize their ideas. Studies in the Harvard Business Review suggest that using the third person, like referring to oneself by first name or "he/she," can increase calmness and confidence. This technique helps people step back from difficult situations, and motivational phrases like "I can do it" can aid in preparing for public speaking or important interviews.

Self-speech has emotional benefits

For psychotherapist Anne Wilson, self-dialogue provides emotional support by offering a sense of companionship, helping clarify feelings, and aiding emotional regulation. The concern is not with speaking aloud itself, but with the content, frequency, and context of the self-speech.

When self-speech becomes a concern

Experts recommend monitoring the content, frequency, and context of self-speech. It is generally healthy when it helps concentrate, organize thoughts, calm down, and remains appropriate to the situation. However, it becomes concerning when it turns very negative or threatening, when the person hears voices as external, or when the speech becomes almost constant and disrupts sleep, concentration, or social life. In such cases, psychologists advise seeking professional help without shame, simply describing when and how these words occur and their impact on daily life.