Spoken Thoughts

Spoken thoughts are the rider’s observations, decisions and intentions said out loud while riding. It is a way of turning the rider’s thinking into spoken evidence.

In advanced riding, this can be a very useful training tool. It helps show whether the rider is seeing early, anticipating properly, planning ahead and using the system rather than simply reacting to what appears in front of them.

Commentary riding is not about talking constantly or filling silence. It is about saying the important things at the right time. The words should help the rider think, plan and act before the situation becomes urgent.

Why Commentary Riding Matters

Commentary riding helps improve awareness, concentration and planning. By speaking through what they can see and what they intend to do, the rider is more likely to follow a clear plan rather than drift into habit.

It also gives an instructor, observer or trainer valuable insight into the rider’s thought process. From behind, an observer can see the rider’s position, speed and control, but commentary reveals why the rider is making those decisions.

This can make training more effective. If the rider sees a hazard late, the commentary will usually show it. If the rider has no plan, that will also become clear. If the rider is thinking well ahead, the commentary will demonstrate that progress.

Not every rider uses commentary, and not every training session requires it, but where bike-to-bike communication is available, it can be an excellent way to measure development.

The Core Commentary Model

A useful commentary model is simple:

What can I see?

What can’t I see?

What can I reasonably assume may happen?

What am I going to do about it?

This keeps the commentary focused on the things that matter. It is not enough to say there is a bend, a junction or a vehicle ahead. The rider needs to explain what that information means.

For example, a rider approaching a closed bend might say that they can see the road disappears to the left, but they cannot see through the bend. They may reasonably assume there could be a slow vehicle, surface change, pedestrian, cyclist or junction beyond the view. Their plan may be to hold speed, protect position and wait until the view opens before accelerating.

That is useful commentary because it links observation, uncertainty, risk and action.

Commentary Riding With Bike-to-Bike Communication

On a motorcycle, commentary riding usually works best when the rider and observer have bike-to-bike communication. The observer can listen to the rider’s thought process in real time and understand whether the rider is seeing and planning early enough.

This is different from discussing the ride afterwards. A post-ride conversation is useful, but it relies on memory. Live commentary shows what the rider was thinking at the actual moment decisions were being made.

It can also help the observer coach the rider while moving, where appropriate. The rider can be guided, questioned or supported without stopping the ride every few minutes. 

Commentary should never distract from riding, if the rider becomes overloaded, the pace should be reduced. The aim is to improve thinking, not create pressure.

Speaking Early Enough to Help the Ride

Good commentary must happen early enough to influence the ride. There is little value in talking about how you dealt with a hazard after it has already passed. Commentary after the event may explain what happened, but it does not help the rider prepare before action is needed.

The rider should slow the ride down to a pace where they can observe, process, speak and act in time. As the skill improves, the commentary can keep pace with normal riding.

The further ahead the rider looks, the more time they have to speak clearly and plan effectively. If the rider is struggling to commentate, it often shows that their observation is too short or their speed is too high for their processing time.

Commentary riding therefore exposes the truth. If the rider cannot speak the plan before reaching the hazard, the plan probably was not early enough.

Using Clear and Concise Language

Good commentary uses concise language, every word should earn its place. The rider does not need to describe everything in detail. They need to identify what matters and explain the plan. A long, rushed commentary can become confusing and may even distract the rider from the road.

Clear terminology helps. A rider should know the difference between a junction, driveway and gate. They should use simple words such as kerb, bend, crossing, surface, heavy vehicle or oncoming traffic. Where useful, vehicle colours can help identify what is being discussed.

For example, “Blue car is slowing near the junction, silver car is waiting to turn, I am holding back until the view is clear” is more useful than a long description of every vehicle in the area. 

The best commentary is short, accurate and relevant.

Commentary and IPSGA

Commentary riding links directly to IPSGA. It should show what information the rider is taking, how they are using it, and what they intend to do next. It should also show how that information affects position, speed, gear and acceleration.

A good commentary might identify a developing hazard, explain why the rider is changing position, describe how speed is being adjusted, and confirm that acceleration will be held until the view improves. It reveals whether the system is genuinely being applied or whether the rider is simply riding by instinct.

The rider should not commentate as a separate exercise from the ride. The commentary should reflect the ride itself. What the rider says should match what the motorcycle then does.

Common Faults Riders Make

To start with it is not easy but the more you practice the easier it gets.

Speaking After the Event

Some riders describe hazards after they have already passed them. This shows that the commentary is late and may indicate that the rider’s observation or planning is also late.

Describing Too Much Without Prioritising

Talking constantly is not the aim. The rider should identify the important information, not describe every parked car, sign or road marking. Commentary should help the plan, not clutter the rider’s thinking.

Missing the Plan

Some riders say what they can see but do not explain what they are going to do about it. Good commentary should move from observation to meaning, then from meaning to action.

Developing Better Commentary Riding

Developing commentary takes practice. At first, many riders find it awkward because they are not used to saying their thoughts out loud.

The best starting point is to practise away from pressure. A rider can practise in their car, as a passenger, or even while watching road footage. Speaking out loud helps build the habit until it becomes more natural.

On the motorcycle, the rider should begin slowly. The aim is not to produce a perfect speech. The aim is to identify important information early and explain the plan clearly. Over time, commentary improves concentration. It helps the rider stay mentally engaged and prevents them from simply riding on autopilot.

Focus for Your Next Ride

On your next ride, reflect on your spoken thoughts and ask yourself:

1. Am I speaking early enough to influence my riding?
2. Am I saying what I can see and what I cannot see?
3. Am I identifying what may happen next?
4. Am I explaining my plan before I act?
5. Am I keeping my commentary clear and useful?

Improving commentary riding will improve observation, anticipation and planning. It will also help show whether the rider is genuinely applying the system, because good commentary should reveal not only what the rider can see, but what they intend to do about it.