Say Things Out Loud for Memory

Did you know that something as simple as saying things out loud can make a real difference in how well you remember them? If you’re trying to learn a new skill or retain new information, this might be the boost you need. Today, let’s dive into why speaking information aloud works, especially if you’re an auditory learner, and explore the science that backs this up.

The “Production Effect”: How Saying Things Out Loud Helps Memory

Research has consistently shown that saying things out loud—a phenomenon called the “production effect”—improves memory. A study by MacLeod and his colleagues (2010) at the University of Waterloo discovered that people who read words out loud remembered more than those who read silently. The theory behind this is that verbalizing information adds a layer of encoding. By combining vocalization with reading, you create a multi-sensory experience, which engages more parts of your brain than silent reading alone.

Another study published in the journal Memory explored how saying words out loud produces what they call a “distinctiveness effect,” meaning the act of speaking creates a unique memory trace. The spoken words stand out as special events, which is why we tend to remember them better than silently read information. In other words, your brain marks these spoken moments as significant, making it easier to retrieve them later.

Why This Technique is Especially Powerful for Auditory Learners

If you’re someone who prefers auditory learning, saying things out loud can amplify your learning experience even further. Auditory learners typically excel when they hear information, as they retain it best through listening. By verbalizing content, you’re not only engaging in active recall but also creating an auditory experience tailored to your natural strengths. A study by Oxford University found that auditory learners could increase their retention by as much as 20% when incorporating spoken repetition into their study routines.

Moreover, when auditory learners hear their own voices, it enhances what’s called the “self-reference effect.” According to a study from Psychological Science, we’re more likely to remember things that feel personally meaningful, and speaking content aloud naturally creates a personal connection to the material.

Other Benefits of Saying Things Out Loud

The benefits of saying things out loud extend beyond just better memory. Here are a few ways this technique can deepen your learning:

1. Focus and Engagement: When you speak, you’re naturally more engaged with the content. A study from Applied Cognitive Psychology found that speaking out loud reduces mind-wandering and helps keep focus, as your attention is directed toward what you're saying.

2. Enhanced Understanding Through Teaching: Explaining a concept out loud forces you to put your knowledge into your own words, which is a powerful way to internalize information. Research shows that teaching others, even if you’re just “teaching” yourself aloud, solidifies your understanding. This is called the “protégé effect”—teaching requires deeper cognitive processing, which strengthens your knowledge base.

3. Improved Confidence: Saying things out loud gives you a way to test your understanding in real-time. When you hear yourself correctly explaining or recalling information, it builds confidence in your knowledge. This benefit is particularly valuable for public speaking or other areas where verbalizing concepts is essential.

How to Incorporate This Technique Into Your Learning Routine

Here are some easy ways to put this powerful technique into practice:

• Read Important Points Out Loud: When reviewing material, read aloud the parts you find challenging or critical. This will give them a better chance of “sticking” in your memory.

• Record Yourself: Try recording yourself explaining difficult concepts and then listening back. This is like giving yourself a personal lesson you can review multiple times.

• Verbalize Your Practice: If you’re working on a skill that involves procedures (like math, language, or even cooking), try narrating the steps out loud. This not only reinforces the process but also builds confidence and helps detect gaps in your understanding.

• Self-Quiz Audibly: Instead of answering questions in your head, try speaking the answers out loud. This mimics a real conversation, making the learning more active and impactful.

Bottom Line: Why Speaking Out Loud is Worth the Effort

While it may feel a little strange at first, the benefits of saying things out loud are backed by solid research. For auditory learners, this method leverages your strengths, giving you a learning edge. And even if you aren’t primarily an auditory learner, verbalizing information strengthens memory, reinforces focus, and deepens understanding across the board.

Give this technique a try in your next study session or as you’re learning something new. You might find it’s the extra push you need to make learning feel more effective and enjoyable.

CITATIONS:

• The Production Effect:

  MacLeod, C. M., Gopie, N., Hourihan, K. L., Neary, K. R., & Ozubko, J. D. (2010). The production effect: Deliberately producing material during encoding enhances subsequent retention. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 36(3), 671-685.

• Auditory Learning and Self-Reference:

  Conway, M. A., & Gathercole, S. E. (1990). Writing and long-term memory: Evidence for a “generation effect” in free recall. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 16(6), 1108–1117.
  

• Distinctiveness Effect:

  Hourihan, K. L., Ozubko, J. D., & MacLeod, C. M. (2009). Directed forgetting of words produced aloud: Evidence for the distinctiveness account of the production effect. Memory & Cognition, 37(8), 1041-1046.
  

• Protégé Effect and Teaching for Learning:

  Fiorella, L., & Mayer, R. E. (2014). Role of expectations and explanations in learning by teaching. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 39(4), 273-282.
  

• Memory Benefits of Vocalization:

  Quinlan, C. K., Taylor, T. L., & Fawcett, J. M. (2010). Directed forgetting: Comparing pictures and words. Memory & Cognition, 38(5), 569-576.