Do You Talk to Yourself? Here’s Why It Builds Confidence—And Courageous Companies

What’s more awkward: talking to yourself or talking to a stranger?

For me, it’s definitely talking to myself. I’d almost rather start a conversation with a random person in a coffee shop than hear my own voice filling an empty room. At least with someone else, there’s a rhythm, a response, a structure.

But talking to myself? That’s just me, putting my thoughts out into the world, hearing them without the safety of keeping them locked inside.

And yet, I do it.

Because as uncomfortable as it is, it helps. And not just in my personal life—it makes me a stronger speaker, a more confident communicator, and a better leader. And when individuals build confidence in their own voices, entire organizations shift.

Why Talking to Yourself Builds Confidence

Confidence doesn’t just appear. It’s built, practiced, and reinforced—just like any skill. And one of the simplest ways to develop it? Talking to yourself.

Sounds strange, but research backs it up.

• Speaking aloud improves problem-solving and cognitive performance. Studies show that talking through challenges, even alone, helps individuals work through problems more effectively. According to a study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, self-directed speech improves focus and task performance.
• Self-talk boosts confidence and resilience. Research from Michigan State University found that positive self-talk reduces anxiety and increases confidence, particularly in high-pressure situations.
• Verbalizing thoughts helps regulate emotions. According to a study from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA Newsroom), labeling emotions—like saying "I'm feeling frustrated"—reduces the brain’s stress response, making us better decision-makers.

When you practice talking to yourself, you naturally become more comfortable speaking in high-stakes situations—whether that’s in a meeting, on stage, or in a difficult conversation.

How Confidence in Individuals Creates Courageous Companies

When people within an organization feel confident in their voices, the entire company benefits.

• More innovation. Employees who believe their ideas are worth speaking up about are 3.5 times more likely to contribute innovative solutions (Harvard Business Review).
• Better problem-solving. Companies that encourage open, confident dialogue see a 25% improvement in decision-making speed (McKinsey & Company).
• Stronger leadership. Leaders who regularly engage in positive self-talk before tough conversations report 20% higher levels of emotional intelligence and team engagement (Forbes).
• Increased trust and collaboration. Organizations that promote open communication have 30% higher retention rates because employees feel valued and heard (Gallup).

A company with courageous individuals—people who aren’t afraid to speak up, challenge ideas, or admit when they don’t have the answer—is a company that thrives. And that courage starts with something as small as practicing self-talk.

Try It and See What Happens

So, do you talk to yourself? Does it help? And how?

If you’ve never tried, start small. Ask yourself a question out loud—just one. Don’t force an answer, just let your mind work through it naturally. Do it again tomorrow. And the next day.

See what changes.

And if you want to hear more about this idea, check out my video here:

?? Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/wLVJRQwnWAY

Let’s keep the conversation going—drop a comment and let me know your thoughts.

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Live Large. Be Bold. Have Faith. Fear Nothing.

Louis Katz, keynote speaker and founder of The Courage Inside, works with organizations to build courageous companies and inspire transformative results. With a special focus on military and first responder communities, he understands the unique challenges of stepping into the arena when trust, resilience, and courage matter most.