Lesson Summary

Self talk is the way you speak to yourself in your own mind. It has a strong effect on your confidence. If you constantly attack yourself, your confidence drops. If you are honest but supportive with yourself, your confidence grows.

In this lesson learners:

• Notice the words they use when they talk to themselves

• Learn the difference between helpful and harmful self talk

• Practise turning harsh messages into realistic and kinder ones

• Understand that being kind to yourself is not being lazy or soft

Key points to explain in the content:

1. Self talk is a habit, not the truth
   Many people repeat old messages from school, family, or past failures. These messages are often not accurate, but they still shape how confident you feel.

2. Harmful self talk
   Examples:

   • “I always mess things up”

   • “I am stupid”

   • “Nothing will ever change for me”

   • “Other people are better than me in everything”

   This type of talk makes you feel small and stops you from trying.

3. Helpful self talk
   Helpful self talk is honest but supportive. It does not pretend that everything is perfect, but it reminds you that you can improve.
   Examples:

   • “I did not do well this time, but I can learn and try again”

   • “This is hard, and I can still take one small step”

   • “I made a mistake, but it does not define my whole value”

4. Reflection activity
   Ask learners to:

   • Write down one recent mistake or difficult moment

   • Then write the harsh self talk they used

   • Then rewrite it as helpful self talk that is honest and kind