A sign of intelligence and mind protection from aging ... Discover the benefits of thinking out loud

A recent study from the British University of Bangor revealed that thinking and speaking out loud is likely to provide a number of benefits in terms of focus, multi-tasking and emotion control. The study also demonstrated that talking to yourself may be a sign of intelligence.

Think out loud
In her report published by the American Learning Mind, author Lottie Miles said that a separate study found that participants who were asked to say random words aloud and repeatedly while trying to perform a variety of tasks, were unable to determine what they should do To accomplish these tasks. In fact, the results of this study show the negative effects of speaking out loud, but what are the benefits of thinking out loud?

According to the author, thinking aloud has five benefits:

1. Self motivation
The writer stated that it is sometimes possible not to have a motive to deal with a difficult task. However, talking to ourselves can help us achieve this, as a study of positive self-talk shows that our thoughts can have enormous implications for our emotions, motivations, and accomplishments, and we can achieve greater impact by thinking aloud.

In fact, when preparing for interviews, it is a good idea not only to think positively about the outcome of the interview, but also try to tell yourself that it will go well. And if you feel weak, telling yourself that things will be fine and praising yourself for something you did today will be reflected in your mood. However, you should be sure not to let negative talk about yourself spoil your life.

2. Improve sensory processing
It is easy for us to manipulate audio signals compared to the instructions we read or think about silently through internal conversation. This idea is supported by a study by the University of Wisconsin, in which participants were given written instructions or asked to read the instructions aloud when searching for an image. Those who read the instructions aloud were better able to find it. In fact, speaking the word improved the participants ’ability to visualize what they were looking for, indicating an increase in the brain’s ability to process.

3. Problem solving skills
Computer programmers usually use a method known as "rubber duck revision" to overcome the most difficult problems.

This term refers to talking about the problem in its simplest form step by step with the closest thing on your desk, like a rubber duck. By explaining computer programmers what they want the code to accomplish, and detailing how they do it while speaking loudly, they will soon find the answer to their questions.

This idea is supported by a study by Dr. Christopher Atkin of the University of Nottingham Trent which found that participants who spoke on complex tasks were much better at solving problems.

In fact, the participants in this study made 78% fewer mistakes, compared to the participants who asked to complete tasks by silently solving matters. Thinking out loud will attract your attention and improve your ability to focus, which will facilitate the problem-solving process.

4. Improved time management
The writer mentioned the role that loud thinking plays when it comes to timing and accuracy. For example, one study focused on the effect of using loud thinking as a motivational tool to improve performance in basketball, and found that players who were instructed orally were able to pass the ball and hit it more accurately.

Generally speaking, the study specifically noted that educational self-talk improves accuracy skills, while motivational self-talk helps with speed-based tasks. Self-talk is commonly used in sports psychology.

5. Memory boost
Older people use loud thinking to make sure they keep the information right. This method works when it comes to retaining the information we read, because memory improves by actively sharing the brain with what we do.

As such, thinking aloud can have potential benefits as we age, and it can also help make sure that your mind is more actively involved in other tasks, to avoid some of the harmful effects of aging on the mind.

The author explained that thinking out loud has always proven to be very harmful, but as more research shows the multiple benefits of talking about our thoughts out loud, it would be good to try to get used to this practice in your daily life.