I'm also curious about this -- I'm pretty sure that I think actual words at about the speed at which I can speak them. I can not speak 3000 words per minute.
I also have my doubts about the numbers put forward on reading, listening and speaking. When reading, again I can read words about as fast as I can speak words. When I'm reading, I am essentially speaking out the words but in my mind. Is that not how other people read?
It sounds like you have a strong inner monologue. Some people do, some don't. I don't subvocalize (no inner voice when reading). Words aren't involved when I think about stuff. I don't have an inner "voice" at all, only when I'm trying to communicate. Maybe I need to more "translating" from thought to voice than you do?
I also have my doubts about the numbers put forward on reading, listening and speaking. When reading, again I can read words about as fast as I can speak words. When I'm reading, I am essentially speaking out the words but in my mind. Is that not how other people read?