If you’ve ever caught yourself talking aloud when you’re alone, you’re not alone. In this episode, I explore how and why our internal monologue sometimes sounds like an audible conversation with ourselves. It’s a question I get asked a lot, especially by those who deal with dyslexia and wonder if their thoughts come in pictures, words or both.
This discussion dives into how internal speech can guide, comfort and occasionally confuse us. We also look at why visual and verbal thinking isn’t an either-or scenario. Sometimes our minds produce a cinematic experience with full-colour visuals, and sometimes they give us an audio track.
Many of us have that little voice in our head, and it’s not always about crossing grocery items off a list. Sometimes our brain wants a full-blown conversation. We might ask ourselves how we feel, why we reacted a certain way or what we’re going to eat next.
“I talk to myself in words, not just pictures. It’s a bit strange, but it’s how my brain works.”
This line from the podcast made me stop and think: Why do some of us hear a ‘me’ in our heads while others see images or shapes? Turns out, neither way is wrong or right. Inner speech helps shape our understanding of the world, whether it’s through words or mental snapshots.
People with dyslexia often live in a vibrant landscape of mental images. They might struggle reading printed text, yet their imagination can be powerful. So when I mention a running monologue in my head, folks ask, “Wait, you mean you’re not just a movie projector up there?”
The truth is, dyslexics are highly creative. That doesn’t mean they can’t engage words in their mind. Some go back and forth between visual images and a voiceover reverberating in the background. Others stick mainly to pictures. For me, it’s both—and that surprises some who’ve never thought about it much.
We often place ourselves in neat categories: visual, verbal, kinetic. In reality, we aren’t limited to one label. Brains are flexible and adapt to stress or curiosity. If you had to read a poem, what would you notice first? The words or the imagery? That can give you a clue about how your mind organises and processes information.
When you hear a friend telling a story, do you mentally replay it with pictures? Or does your brain supply a commentary-like voice describing each step? Often the answer changes day to day or with your mood.
Here are a few ways to explore your thinking style:
Once you identify your thinking style, you can fine-tune how you approach reading, planning or even socialising. Let’s say you talk to yourself often. You might find it helpful to read out loud or silently repeat new information so it sticks. If you’re a visual thinker, sketching ideas or scribbling notes might come more naturally than speaking them aloud.
Being aware of these preferences boosts self-acceptance and helps you avoid comparing yourself to others. You’ll see that talking to yourself in words or pictures is a tool, not a quirk to hide away.
Some suggestions for making the most of your mental chatter:
Inner speech is a small part of how we make sense of life, but it has a big impact. This podcast episode invites you to notice your own habits, whether you chat to yourself in words or see vivid pictures. Embracing these differences can lead to even greater creativity and self-awareness.
If this topic gets you thinking, listen to the full episode at the top of the page. Hear the stories, reflect on your own inner speech and join the conversation. You never know what your mind might have to say when you let it speak.
