Why Reading (Books) Makes Us Better at Speaking

About this video

Huberman explains that as we read, we generate very low levels of motor activity in our throat, effectively speaking the words we are reading below the level of our own perception of sound. He says that if you measured the firing of the vocal cord muscles, or amplified it, you would find that reading involves quietly speaking the information to ourselves.

Key takeaways

• Huberman explains reading produces low-level motor activity in the throat, as if speaking the words.
• Huberman says this subvocal activity can be measured in the vocal cord muscles during reading.

Episode details: published May 4, 2025 · 1.4M views · 0:25 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The science and protocols described are Andrew Huberman’s, presented for education — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your own health practices.

← Previous: How Smell, Taste & Pheromones Shape Behavior | Huberman Lab Essentials · Next: Contracts of Love & Money That Make or Break Relationships | James Sexton →

All Andrew Huberman videos · Andrew Huberman profile · Huberman Lab (official site)