What is Subvocalization? - A Simple Guide
Subvocalization is when you internally say the words you read in your head as you read them.
It's a natural habit, but it often gets a bad rap because it can slow down your reading.
Understanding subvocalization and learning how to manage it can make a big difference in how much you read and retain.
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Does Subvocalization Lower Reading Speed?
The speed of speaking is about 150 words per minute. Therefore, many reason that subvocalization limits you to about that reading speed. Even less when you consider words you get stuck on and parts you reread.
Remember though, that you can partially subvocalize too. It is possible to attain very fast reading speeds while still subvocalizing, you just do it less.
Is It Possible To Reduce Subvocalization?
You can reduce subvocalization. This can be one of the hardest habits to break when it comes to reading. Far more than regression.
It seems though, that as you attain faster speeds, you naturally subvocalize less. Using a software, like the one we provide in our Reading Phenom program can make this way easier.
Can You Get Rid Of Subvocalization Entirely?
While it may be possible to get rid of subvocalization entirely, it's not necessary to attain fast speeds. It's certainly easier to reduce subvocalization.
As you increase your reading speeds, you could minimize subvocalization more and more. Even people at speed reading competitions have been said to long for this ability.
Why Do People Subvocalize?
This habit seems to form early when we learn to read aloud. Reading aloud and sounding out words is a normal part of learning to read.
In school, students are often told to read silently at some point. Since they aren't allowed to read aloud, they hear the words in their head. It's part of their process.
This becomes something the student utilizes, and they may even read louder in their head if they are struggling at a certain part.
Over time, even after the person no longer has to sound out each word, they rely on subvocalization. Subvocalization can be reduced, however, people often are so used to it that it can be hard to break constant subvocalization.
Benefits Of Subvocalization
Subvocalization does have some benefits. For one, reading with subvocalization has been said to increase recall.
This means that you can remember more of what you read. Another benefit is that it can be pleasant to hear the internal narration and make it more enjoyable. For example, you can hear emotion in the words.
You don't have to give up subvocalization entirely in order to be a fast reader.
How To Stop Subvocalization
We've found that the fastest way
Subvocalization is the internal speech we use while reading. It happens when your brain sends signals to your vocal cords, even if you’re not physically saying the words. Most people subvocalize to some extent, but excessive subvocalization can limit reading speed because you’re essentially “saying” every word to yourself.How Does Subvocalization Work?
Subvocalization involves:
- Your brain recognizing a word and connecting it to its meaning.
- Silent movements in your throat or tongue, mimicking speech.
- Your inner voice processing the words as if you were speaking them.
While this process helps with comprehension, it can slow down reading speed, especially if you’re trying to read at a pace faster than natural speech.
Pros and Cons of Subvocalization
Here are some pros and cons of subvocalization:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Helps with comprehension | Slows down reading speed |
| Strengthens memory retention | Can be unnecessary for skimming or scanning text |
| Makes complex material easier to process | Limits how much information you can absorb in a short time |
How Subvocalization Affects Reading Speed
Most people read at around 200-250 words per minute (wpm)—about the same speed as conversational speech. Fast readers, however, can reach 400-700 wpm or more, often by minimizing subvocalization.
Here’s a comparison:
| Reading Style | Words Per Minute (WPM) | Subvocalization Level |
|---|---|---|
| Slow reading | 150-200 WPM | High |
| Average reading | 200-300 WPM | Moderate |
| Speed reading | 400-700+ WPM | Low to None |
If you’re reading to learn, cutting down on subvocalization can help you go through books faster while still retaining key ideas.
How to Reduce Subvocalization and Read Faster
Many of the common techniques for reducing subvocalization include:
- Chewing gum
- Humming while you read (or making some other noise with your mouth)
- Listening to music without words
These techniques give your mouth something to do and mind something to listen to other than the words.
We've found that reading in chunks and using speed reading software are extremely effective ways to reduce subvocalization.
When Is Subvocalization Useful?
While reducing subvocalization can improve speed, there are times when it’s actually helpful:
- Reading difficult texts – Complex or highly technical material benefits from subvocalization for better understanding.
- Memorization – If you need to retain specific details, subvocalization can reinforce memory.
- Enjoying literature – When reading, hearing the words in your head can enhance the experience.
Key Takeaways
- Subvocalization is the habit of silently pronouncing words while reading.
- While it helps with comprehension, it can slow down reading speed.
- Techniques like chewing gum, humming, listening to music without words, reading in chunks, and using speed reading software can reduce subvocalization.
- Some level of subvocalization is normal and even helpful in certain cases.
If you’re looking to get through more nonfiction books faster, try applying these strategies to see what works best for you.
The more you practice, the easier it becomes to read efficiently without relying too much on inner speech.