Summary

The article discusses the benefits of verbal self-talk in shaping behavior, improving focus, and enhancing self-confidence by engaging the subconscious mind.

Abstract

The article "The Power of Saying Things Out Loud" explores the underestimated practice of self-talk and its profound impact on the subconscious mind. It cites research by Gary Lupyan, indicating that vocalizing one's thoughts, such as saying the name of an object one is searching for, can lead to faster identification. Carla Marie Manly, a clinical psychologist, suggests that speaking thoughts aloud makes one more conscious of their mental processes, thus more intentional about their thoughts. The pronouns used in self-talk are also significant, with second and third-person self-talk being more effective for self-regulation. The article emphasizes the importance of positive language in self-talk, as the unconscious mind responds better to affirmative instructions and does not process negatives well. It concludes by advising the adoption of positive self-descriptors to improve self-image and confidence.

Opinions

Verbal self-talk is a powerful tool for behavioral change and self-improvement.
Using non-first-person pronouns in self-talk (e.g., "you" or "he/she") can lead to better self-regulation and outcomes.
The unconscious mind's inability to process negative commands means that positive phrasing is crucial in self-talk.
Engaging in positive self-talk can have a beneficial impact on one's subconscious mind and overall self-confidence.
The language one uses internally can influence their external speech and self-perception.
Consistent use of affirming and self-praising language can lead to a more positive self-image.

The Power of Saying Things Out Loud

And its effects on the subconscious mind

Self-talk is deeply underrated. We are used to thinking and talking to others but self-talk is seen as something out of the ordinary.

Thinking about talking to yourself is one thing, but doing it? It can feel awkward.

But there is research to support the fact that talking to yourself out loud helps to shape your behavioural patterns. It can make you focus on your short term goals and curbs self-criticism.

Talking to yourself out loud helps to shape your behavioural patterns. It can make you focus on your short term goals and curbs self-criticism.

Gary Lupyan, a researcher and psychologist from the University of Wisconsin-Madison conducted an experiment. He asked his subjects to go through a stack of photographs and look for a photo of a specific item, like a banana. The people that said the name of the object (banana) out loud while looking, they tended to find the image faster (New York Times 2017).

This study can resonate with anyone. Talking out loud can help you get more intentional and motivated with whatever you are trying to achieve.

The words we tell ourselves have power

According to Carla Marie Manly, a clinical psychologist asserts that when we express our thoughts out loud, we become more aware of what is going on in the mind. Engaging in this process means to access the brains language centre and become more intentional about our thoughts.

The pronouns you are using during the self-talk is also important. A number of researchers discovered that using the second or third person within positive self-talk (for example: “You’ve got this!”) was more effective.

When you avoid the first person pronoun you are distancing yourself and the self-talk will tend to produce better outcomes in the long term.

Talking yourself into success

Our minds are divided into two components- the conscious part which we use to control and which follows our direction, and the unconscious mind which influences our lives beyond our control.

The unconscious mind cannot process negative words. It cannot follow an order from the conscious mind to ‘not do something’ (Dr Brian Roet 1998).

So, if you say to yourself ‘don’t think of your ex’- you will actually think of your ex because your unconscious mind heard ‘think of your ex’. It couldn’t make sense of the negative word ‘don’t’.

Many people focus on avoiding what they do not want- a double negative approach. For instance, ‘I must not eat so much to lose weight’. This approach will focus the unconscious mind onto the act of eating.

Positive words such as, ‘I will make sure I exercise every day and eat the nourishing foods’ is a positive way to direct the unconscious mind.

The important thing is to avoid negative words when we are talking to ourselves.

As the wise saying goes:

‘Unless we change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are heading’-Chinese Proverb.

Final summary

If you wake up everyday thinking negative thoughts or thinking how you are going to get through the day, this will have a negative impact on the subconscious mind. It will also affect your self-confidence in general.

Internal language is often reflected in the way we speak externally. Thus, be aware of your external language, note self-critical, praising or guilt-laden words. These words may filter through from the unconscious.

Choose some positive and praising words to describe yourself, e.g. kind, assertive, creative, hard-working etc. Using these words every day will change the way you see yourself and increase confidence.