MANAGING SELF-TALK TECHNIQUES IN SPORTS LANGUAGE
MANAGING SELF-TALK TECHNIQUES IN SPORTS LANGUAGE

Summary/Abstract: Since improving communication abilities in the world of sport is accelerating, it should come as no surprise that it is so vitally important for successful field performers to seek out opportunities to develop their language competency and show willingness to use it in professional situations. Thus, for a variety of reasons, the paper draws on extensive research into effective verbal communication strategies and techniques which make up the core of sportspeople’s mindsets, such as maintaining confidence by means of positive statements, or engaging in self-talk. Self-talk (or internal dialogue) can be regarded as an ally which leads to enabling feelings and good performance when consistently practiced. The specific linguistic tools examined in the paper range from asking powerful questions or analyzing cue words to using confidence-building statements or activating positive thinking patterns. Findings reveal that essential aspects of sports psychology and language should enable us to get a better handle on individual or team strengths/weaknesses of sportspeople at all levels.

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