How does speaking affect the brain?
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Speaking significantly affects the brain in several ways:
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Brain Synchronization: When listening to someone speak, studies show that the listener's brain activity not only synchronizes with the speaker's brain but can also start to predict what the speaker will say next. This synchronization extends beyond language processing to areas of emotion and social cognition, enhancing influence and empathy in communication 1 .
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Communication and Brain Change: Communication is a powerful tool for altering the brain. It enables the creation of shared narratives and ideas. When we communicate, our brains change in response to the information exchanged, contributing to personal growth and behavior changes. This process is observed both in interpersonal interactions and through consuming media like movies and books 2 .
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Speech and Movement: Speech is fundamentally linked to movement, particularly involving brain centers responsible for motor control. Cannabis use, for instance, affects these brain areas, leading to changes in speech by altering motor circuitry 3 .
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Vocal Vibrations: Speaking has a physical component where the sound vibrations connect with others, influencing their amygdala and thus impacting their emotional state and perception 4 .
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Language Areas in the Brain: Traditional views that specific brain areas like Broca's area are solely responsible for language are evolving. Recent findings indicate a broader involvement of the motor cortex and other regions in speech production and comprehension 5 .
Overall, speaking is not only central to social interaction but deeply intertwined with various brain functions involving emotion, motor control, and cognitive processing.
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