In different discussion groups, I’ve heard the claim that up to 50% of people don’t have an inner voice.
Since much of my work has focused on metacognition and language, I wanted to devote an episode to discussing some common questions that come up regarding this topic.
That’s why in episode 121 of the “De Facto Leaders” podcast, I discussed the following:
✅Is internal language the best tool to use for reasoning and completing complex tasks?
✅Are there times it makes sense to use LESS language for self-regulation and planning?
✅If someone doesn’t have an inner voice, should we help them build one?
✅How do we measure whether someone is engaging in self-talk?
✅How many people use an inner monologue or dialogue, and how does this impact social interactions and problem-solving?
You can listen to the entire episode here:
In this episode I discussed research on inner voice and self-directed talk. Here are some links to sources used to produce this episode:
The Blind Men and the Elephant
Inner Speech: Development, Cognitive Functions, Phenomenology, and Neurobiology
The Phenomena of Inner Experience
Types of Inner Dialogues and Functions of Self-Talk: Comparisons and Implications
Anauralia: The Silent Mind and Its Association With Aphantasia
In this episode, I mention the School of Clinical Leadership, my program for related service providers who want to take a leadership role in implementing executive functioning support. I also give you strategies that support self-directed talk and visual working memory. You can learn more about the program here.