self-talk

noun

1. the act or practice of talking to oneself, either aloud or silently and mentally

   positive self-talk

Example Sentences

Richard’s voice was a reprieve from my dour, cynical toxic self-talk.

From Salon

But he admitted that his performance has been impacted by some negative self-talk and his inability to control his emotions and adrenaline on the mound.

From Los Angeles Times

And negative self-talk isn't good for mothers, either; it is associated with lower motivation and unhealthful eating.

From Salon

That expectation is no small thing—positive self-talk, and a strong belief in your abilities and your gear, is really important for running a long race.

From Slate

Said Oladejo: “Just positive self-talk, just staying confident with each other, lifting each other up, using words and encouraging your teammates.”

From Los Angeles Times

More About Self-talk

What is self-talk?

Self-talk is the act or practice of talking to oneself aloud or mentally.

Self-talk, or talking to yourself is a normal, common practice. Sometimes people will engage in self-talk as a way to remind themselves to do something or to acquire something, such as reminding yourself to bring your homework with you to school. People will also use self-talk as a way of creating sound when it’s too quiet or to feel less alone.

While people talking to themselves out loud is common, deranged, excessive, or erratic self-talk can be a sign of an anxiety attack or a mental illness.

Mental self-talk is your internal dialogue, that is, the thoughts in your head or inner speech. According to psychology, the primary way humans think and reason seems to be through mental self-talk.

Example: I always try to engage in some positive self-talk before I go for a job interview.

Where does self-talk come from?

The first records of the term self-talk come from around the 1570s. It combines the combining form self–, meaning “to or with oneself ,” and talk, meaning “to communicate by speaking.”

Mental self-talk can be positive or negative and is usually controlled by the subconscious mind. Positive self-talk is often associated with confidence, reassurance, and clear thinking, while negative self-talk is normally related to anxiety, depression, clouded thinking, and irrational behavior. Many therapists and psychologists will work with patients to maintain or supplement positive self-talk and avoid negative self-talk.

Did you know … ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with self-talk? 

• self
• talk

What are some words that often get used in discussing self-talk?

• negative
• positive
• process
• reasoning
• thinking

How is self-talk used in real life?

Most often self-talk is used to discuss how we talk to ourselves in terms of mental well-being.

it takes so much work to unlearn behavioral patterns you adopted out of self defense, and so much time to actively & consistently counteract the negative self talk you let stand unchallenged for years. it’s tiring.

— justice (@justiceaudre) January 15, 2020

6 ways to stop negative self-talk:

-remind yourself how far you've come.
-remember that feelings aren't facts.
-accept that nobody's perfect.
-celebrate your small victories.
-stop comparing yourself to others.
-give yourself the same grace you give to others.

— let my people glo ✨ (@MichellCClark) November 29, 2020

self talk in Ireland: ‘don’t buy a tweed flat cap. you wont wear a tweed flat cap. don’t buy a tweed flat cap….'

— marc maron (@marcmaron) April 10, 2019

 

Try using self-talk!

Is self-talk used correctly in the following sentence?

I have been practicing positive self-talk by reminding myself rest is a need, not a reward.