Do you hear voices in your head while reading? Don't worry, it's quite natural and something that many people experience! 

This is what is referred to as subvocalization, or silent speech. It’s a common reading habit that many people have and is often useful for comprehension.

Subvocalization is more than just “thinking” words as you read them. It engages with body parts as well, such as the eyes, lips, throat, tongue, vocal cords, larynx, and jaws. Believe it or not, even when you are “silently” reading, you are still making tiny movements that are similar to those you make in active speech. You just don’t realize it.

Read more to learn about subvocalization and if it is helpful, or if it has a downside!