Self-Talk and Performance
Self-talk is a psychological skill that refers to the internal dialogue athletes have with themselves before, during, and after performance. In IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS), self-talk is used to explain how thoughts influence confidence, focus, emotional control, and overall performance.
Effective self-talk can enhance performance, while negative self-talk can undermine confidence and increase anxiety.
What Is Self-Talk?
Self-talk is the thoughts or verbal statements an athlete directs toward themselves. These statements can be spoken aloud or internal and often occur automatically.
Self-talk influences:
- Confidence levels
- Emotional responses
- Concentration and focus
- Motivation and persistence
In IB SEHS, self-talk is classified as a psychological skill because it can be learned, practised, and controlled.
Positive Self-Talk
Positive self-talk involves constructive and encouraging statements that support performance.
Examples include:
- “I can do this”
- “Stay focused”
- “Strong and controlled”
Positive self-talk helps athletes:
- Build confidence
- Maintain focus
- Reduce anxiety
- Persist under pressure
In IB exams, positive self-talk is often linked to improved performance and emotional control.
Negative Self-Talk
Negative self-talk involves critical or self-doubting thoughts that harm performance.
Examples include:
- “I always mess this up”
- “I’m not good enough”
- “I can’t handle this pressure”
Negative self-talk can:
- Increase anxiety
- Reduce confidence
- Distract attention
- Lead to performance decline
Recognising and replacing negative self-talk is a key psychological skill.
Instructional vs Motivational Self-Talk
Self-talk can also be classified by its purpose.
Instructional self-talk:
- Focuses on technique or task cues
- Example: “Elbow high”
Motivational self-talk:
- Focuses on effort and confidence
- Example: “Push through”
In IB SEHS, instructional self-talk is often linked to skill learning, while motivational self-talk is linked to confidence and effort.
Using Self-Talk Effectively
Effective self-talk is:
- Short and specific
- Positive or neutral
- Relevant to the task
- Practised regularly
Athletes often develop key phrases to use in high-pressure situations.
Exam Relevance for IB SEHS
Self-talk questions often require explanation and application. High-mark answers clearly define self-talk, explain different types, and apply them to sporting or performance scenarios.
Avoid stating that self-talk is simply “thinking positively” without explanation.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
If psychological skills like self-talk feel hard to apply in exam answers, RevisionDojo helps IB SEHS students master mental skills with clear explanations, examples, and exam-style practice. It is the most effective way to turn psychology knowledge into exam marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is self-talk in IB SEHS?
Self-talk is the internal dialogue athletes use to regulate confidence, focus, and emotional control.
How does positive self-talk improve performance?
It increases confidence, reduces anxiety, and helps athletes stay focused under pressure.
How is self-talk tested in IB SEHS exams?
Students are often asked to define self-talk and apply it to performance, pressure, or skill-learning scenarios.
