Apple and chalkboard.

Self-talk can enhance your cognitive performance

Research shows that self-talk may help the brain perform better. In experiments designed to measure cognitive performance, participants read instructions and then do the task. Some participants read their instructions silently, others out loud. Results generally show that reading aloud helps us sustain concentration and improves our performance.

Why Should You Talk to Yourself? | Psychology Today

Speaking of yourself in the third person can help you manage negative emotions by creating distance.

Why Should You Talk to Yourself? | Psychology Today
silhouette of mountains
Photo by Simon Berger on Pexels.com

From a neuroscience perspective, self-talk may be considered an internal remodeling of sorts. However, in order to remodel our brains, we have to change specific words, as well. For instance, instead of using the word “I,” people who use their own name when referring to themselves have better feelings of self-confidence and acceptance. It may feel awkward, but it works. For example, instead of thinking, “I really nailed that presentation at work,” I think, “Teri really rocked that presentation…” In my experience, referring to yourself in the third person can have some powerful self-regulatory effects, such as stress reduction and anxiety regulation, as well as put distance between you and the situation. But how else can you improve your self-talk?

The Power Of Positive Self-Talk (forbes.com)