We can and often do use that verbal reasoning to keep information in mind, like when we rehearse our phone number, or when we might silently rehearse what we're going to say, in a given context.

You're using verbal reasoning skills to play with information, and then there are, of course, all sorts of ways that we can use internal silent language to help navigate our lives.

If I asked you to silently repeat the phone number in your head, that would be you activating your inner voice, so to speak at a very basic level. Kross: I think of the inner voice as silent verbal processing, so the example you gave to begin the podcast was a really good one. Luna: First, I want to establish what an inner monologue or inner voice is. Kross is joining us via Skype from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Welcome to Speaking of Psychology, a biweekly podcast from the American Psychological Association that explores the connections between psychological science and everyday life. He says every healthy person has an inner voice, but how it manifests can vary dramatically from person to person. Ethan Kross, it's not exactly that simple. According to our guest for this episode, University of Michigan psychology professor Dr. Some people were shocked to learn that there are those who have a running commentary in their heads all the time, while others don't have a permanent living narrator. Turns out that people have a lot to say about their inner voices. What ensued were thousands of comments, retweets and news stories on the topic. That tweet said that some people have an internal narrative and some don't. It all started from a tweet that went viral. You may have heard about the internet debate recently on inner monologues. Well, it's because I'm trying to get you to analyze your inner voice. Did you say the numbers inside your head, did the phone number appear as an image, something else? You may be wondering why I'm asking you this seemingly off the wall question. To learn more visit Kaitlin Luna: Stop what you're doing, quick, recall your childhood phone number. This is the premier interdisciplinary venue for emerging research in the role psychology plays in the design, use, and impact of new technology. Voiceover: Interested in the latest discoveries and innovations in human technology interaction? Join us at APA's Technology, Mind, and Society conference in Denver, Nov.

People without inner monologue