

The voices in your head with Ethan Kross
394 snips Mar 11, 2025
Ethan Kross, a University of Michigan psychologist and author of "Chatter," dives into the fascinating world of our inner voices. He shares strategies for emotional regulation, emphasizing how self-talk can shape our mental state. The discussion includes the unexpected downsides of venting and the concept of mental time travel to navigate anxiety. Kross also highlights the importance of humor in managing the inner critic and provides tips for using self-distancing techniques to build emotional resilience.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Inner Voice Variability
- The inner voice, used for tasks like silent rehearsal or repeating phrases, is a versatile tool.
- Individuals differ in their reliance on inner dialogue, with some experiencing it constantly and others only deliberately.
Reading and Sub-vocalization
- Sub-vocalization, sounding out words internally, aids reading comprehension, especially with emphasis and meaning.
- Two main reading paths exist: instantly decoding meaning and sub-vocalizing for clarification.
Sub-vocalization and Reading Speed
- Contrary to popular belief, sub-vocalization doesn't always hinder reading speed; research suggests it might not slow us down.
- It emphasizes parts of words during quick reading, unlike reading aloud, which is slower.