Talking to yourself out loud: what psychologists say about this habit

If you catch yourself talking to yourself whilst cleaning, cooking, or organising things around the house, it isn't necessarily a cause for alarm. Psychology refers to this behaviour as "private speech", and research suggests it can be beneficial for concentration, memory, and organising one's thoughts, according to the publication Blic.

People often say aloud the steps they need to follow, or simply express whatever is passing through their mind. This habit can help them stay focused on the task at hand.

Why do we sometimes talk to ourselves?

Talking aloud to oneself can act as a kind of guide when completing a task, especially if it involves several steps or requires making a decision.

For example, during household chores, you might find yourself saying out loud what you are about to do next. This can make it easier to organise the activity and keep your attention focused on what matters, without being distracted by other thoughts.

Can it help with concentration and memory?

Talking out loud can help maintain focus and support memory in certain situations. When a person verbalises their thoughts, information becomes easier to follow and structure.

A study published in 2023 found that adults performed better on visuospatial memory tests when they talked to themselves out loud.

How can it help with managing emotions?

Talking to oneself can also contribute to emotional regulation. Expressing thoughts out loud can help, at certain moments, with calming down, finding motivation, or managing stress more effectively.

This type of inner dialogue can also be useful when trying to make sense of a complicated situation, find a solution to a problem, or determine the next steps forward.

Is it a cause for concern?

Simply catching yourself talking to yourself is not, in itself, a cause for concern. It is a common behaviour that can be a way of better organising your thoughts and daily activities.

In everyday life, talking out loud can help maintain attention, structure a task, and manage stressful moments more easily.