Chapter 2Hey, Are You Talking to Me?

You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart.

—John Ford

Talk Me Through It

Whether you admit it or not, you talk to yourself. You’re far from alone. Studies find that most of us use self-directed speech at least every four days, and many report self-chatter every hour. Researchers are also quick to add that talking to yourself doesn’t mean you’re crazy. In fact, self-directed speech can help us improve our memory, at least temporarily. Have you ever been walking out of the house and realized you don’t know where you put your car keys? As you search the normal hiding spots and the truly irrational ...

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