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

If you catch yourself talking out loud whilst cleaning, cooking or organising things around the house, it doesn't automatically mean something is wrong. Psychologists call this behaviour "private speech", and research shows it can play a useful role in concentration, memory and organising one's thoughts, according to the publication Blic.

People often verbalise the steps they need to follow, or simply say what they are thinking. This can help them stay focused on the task at hand.

Why do we sometimes talk to ourselves?

Talking to yourself can act as a guide when you have a task to complete, especially if it involves several steps or a decision. For example, whilst doing household chores, you might find yourself saying out loud what you are about to do next. This can help you organise your activity more easily and keep your attention on what matters, without being distracted by other thoughts.

Can it help with concentration and memory?

Speaking out loud can play a role in maintaining concentration and supporting memory in certain situations. When a person verbalises their thoughts, information can become easier to follow and organise.

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

How does it help with managing emotions?

Talking to yourself can also contribute to emotional regulation. Sometimes, expressing thoughts out loud can help 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 clarify what needs to be done next.

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 and can be a way of organising your thoughts and activities more effectively. In everyday life, talking out loud can help maintain focus, structure a task, and make stressful moments easier to handle.