If You Talk To Yourself When Alone, You Probably Have These 4 Unique Traits

If You Talk to Yourself When You’re Alone, You Likely Have These 4 Unique Traits
Do you ever talk to yourself when no one else is around? Maybe you narrate what you’re doing, argue through ideas out loud, or coach yourself through a problem. While society often calls this behavior “weird” or “crazy,” psychology suggests the opposite.
In this video, we explore the science behind private speech and explain why talking to yourself is often linked to higher intelligence, stronger focus, and better emotional control. Far from being a bad habit, self-talk can be a powerful mental tool used by highly capable minds.
Research Featured in This Video
The Production Effect and Memory
Research shows that reading or speaking information out loud creates stronger memory traces than silent reading. This makes it easier to remember important details and retain information long-term.
Source: MacLeod et al. (2010), Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition
Verbal Cues and Visual Focus (Stimulus Upregulation)
Studies have found that saying the name of an object out loud—such as “keys” or “phone”—activates visual processing areas in the brain. This helps people locate objects faster and stay focused on tasks.
Source: Lupyan & Swingley (2012), The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology
Distanced Self-Talk and Emotional Regulation
Research shows that speaking to yourself in the second or third person (using “you” or your own name) reduces anxiety and improves emotional control. This type of self-talk helps create mental distance from stress.
Source: Kross et al. (2014), Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Cognitive Organization and Problem Solving
Private speech plays an important role in planning, organizing thoughts, and solving complex problems. It supports executive function and helps the brain manage difficult tasks more effectively.
Source: Fernyhough & Fradley (2005), Cognitive Development
Talking to yourself doesn’t mean something is wrong. In many cases, it means your brain is actively organizing, focusing, and regulating itself in a highly efficient way.