self-talk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2semi-formal; technical (psychology, coaching, self-help).
Quick answer
What does “self-talk” mean?
The internal dialogue one has with oneself, comprising thoughts, statements, and questions directed at the self.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The internal dialogue one has with oneself, comprising thoughts, statements, and questions directed at the self.
The conscious or subconscious cognitive process of interpreting experiences, regulating behavior, and managing emotions through private speech; often studied in psychology, sports, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical or spelling differences. The concept is used identically.
Connotations
Equally prevalent in psychology, sports, and self-help contexts in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency; perhaps slightly more frequent in American self-help and pop psychology literature.
Grammar
How to Use “self-talk” in a Sentence
engage in ~practise ~use ~monitor one's ~change one's ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-talk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She practises talking to herself positively before a match.
- He was caught talking to himself in the library.
American English
- She works on using positive self-talk before a game.
- He was talking to himself while fixing the car.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable; no standard adverbial form derived from 'self-talk'.
American English
- Not applicable; no standard adverbial form derived from 'self-talk'.
adjective
British English
- She has a positive self-talk routine.
- A self-talk strategy can be transformative.
American English
- He uses a motivational self-talk script.
- The self-talk exercise was very revealing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in coaching to improve executive performance and resilience under pressure.
Academic
A key concept in cognitive psychology, sports psychology, and therapeutic interventions like CBT.
Everyday
Discussed in self-help contexts for managing stress, building confidence, or achieving goals.
Technical
Specific protocols exist for measuring and modifying self-talk (e.g., Thought Records in CBT).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-talk”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-talk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-talk”
- Using it as a verb ('I self-talked'). The verb form is usually 'talk to oneself' or 'use self-talk'.
- Treating it as a plural count noun ('I had many self-talks').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Self-talk is a subset of thinking, specifically the part that takes the form of an internal dialogue or statements directed at the self, often in words or phrases.
Yes, self-talk is almost always silent and internal, though it can sometimes be muttered aloud.
No, self-talk can be positive, negative, or neutral. Positive and instructional self-talk are often encouraged for motivation and performance.
Common strategies include noticing negative patterns, challenging unrealistic thoughts, practising affirmations, and using third-person or instructional phrases (e.g., 'You can do this').
The internal dialogue one has with oneself, comprising thoughts, statements, and questions directed at the self.
Self-talk is usually semi-formal; technical (psychology, coaching, self-help). in register.
Self-talk: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself ˈtɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself ˈtɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The voice in your head”
- “Talking to yourself”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SELF-TALK as a TALK you give to your SELF.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A PERSON (you converse with it).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'self-talk' LEAST commonly used as a technical term?