Self-Talk in sport

Self-talk has become an increasingly important tool used in the application of sport psychology, as it is a mechanism for athletes to psychologically prepare for competition or performance. Self-talk, which is defined as any speech (either internal or vocalized) used by athletes to influence their behavior, emotions, and cognition has been demonstrated to have several positive effects within the field of sport psychology, particularly with regard to self-confidence and performance. At its core, the purpose of self-talk is to provide athletes with a mechanism to control their thoughts and feelings in order to maximize their performance and help them reach their goals. It is a type of cognitive behavior modification, as athletes are encouraged to replace negative thoughts or feelings with more positive and empowering ones. Self-talk can also be used to give athletes a boost of self-confidence prior to competing or performing, in addition to helping them remain focused in challenging or stressful situations. The main benefits of self-talk in sport psychology can be divided into two primary categories: physiological and psychological. Physiologically, self-talk can help athletes improve their concentration, reduce the impact of negative emotions on performance, and maintain a state of arousal suitable for their sport or task. On the psychological side of things, self-talk helps athletes to set performance goals, organize their thoughts, and stay motivated and focused in order to reach their goals. In terms of physiological benefits, research has demonstrated that self-talk can help athletes improve their concentration, focus, and overall performance. When athletes use self-talk to talk themselves through an event or task, they can maintain a state of heightened focus and concentration which helps to reduce distractions and keep their mind focused on the task at hand. Additionally, self-talk can be used to modify and increase physiological arousal, allowing athletes to access their maximum potential. For example, if an athlete is feeling overly anxious or nervous, using positive self-talk can help them to relax and manage those feelings.

Psychologically, self-talk can be used to set and achieve performance goals, organize thoughts and tasks, stay motivated and committed to a goal, and manage stress and anxiety around competition or performance. When athletes set goals and use self-talk statements to motivate themselves, they become more focused on their objectives and determined to achieve them. This psychological preparation is essential for success in sports or any other performance art, as setting measurable, achievable goals can help to keep athletes from becoming overwhelmed or discouraged. Additionally, self-talk can be used to provide a sense of control when athletes are feeling anxious or stressed about upcoming competitions or performances. Often times, verbalizing positive self-statements can provide a sense of assurance and security, allowing athletes to stay confident in their abilities and block out any negative, distracting thoughts. Finally, self-talk can be used as a method of self-reinforcement, as positive self-talk statements can help athletes to recognize and celebrate their successes and achievements. In conclusion, self-talk is an important tool used in the application of sport psychology. By providing athletes with the means to psychologically prepare for competitions or performances, self-talk can have both physiological and psychological benefits, helping athletes to stay focused, maintain a state of physical and mental arousal, stay motivated, and manage stress and anxiety. Therefore, self-talk should be considered an essential part of any athlete’s performance psychology toolkit.

Stephen Renwick
Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist (Psychology)
Director of Champion’s Mindset www.champions-mindset.co.uk