Self Talk

Preparation

• Open space with room to walk around. Two designated ends of the room, labeled in the facilitator’s instructions.
• Prepare two sets of phrases (see below).

Facilitation

1. Divide the group into two lines at opposite ends of the room.
2. Line A is given limiting phrases: “I can’t.” “I tried and failed.” “Nobody does it.” “I can’t learn it.” “I won’t be able to do it.”
3. Line B is given resilient phrases: “I can.” “I tried and learned.” “Other people do it.” “I can learn it.” “I will do it.”
4. At a sound signal (bell or clap), both groups walk toward each other saying their phrases. When they meet, they mix and mingle as if exchanging a greeting, continuing to say their phrase.
5. After a full mingle, facilitator pauses the group. Each person reverses: Line A now says Line B’s phrases, and Line B says Line A’s.
6. Mingle again.
7. Debrief: What did people notice about their body, voice, and emotional state between the two sets of phrases?

Evaluation

• Did participants vary a phrase’s pitch or expression?
• In the debrief, did participants share what they noticed — physically, vocally, emotionally?
• By the end, did each participant understand how self-talk makes a difference in readiness and resilience?