Reading text outloud for me does take more brain power. I’m reading it in my inner voice and now I have to translate that to spoken words.

I see “Elephant”, I say “Elephant” in my inner voice, I speak “Elephant” in voice. It’s an extra step.

I’d be like you and not really comprehending what I am reading if I just saw the word and verbally said it. I wouldn’t really comprehend the meaning as much.