With that said, self-talk can be either positive or negative and can be used either to increase motivation, build confidence, and provide cues for performance or it can be highly detrimental to performance. Instructional self-talk is usually focused on the specific skills of the sport. This phrase is focused solely on a rowing skill. Motivational self-talk is most often focused on increasing energy and applying more effort. Rowers usually use motivational self-talk during practice or races when they're trying to increase the pressure or pick up speed.
Many rowers use positive self-talk to motivate.
However, what and when they talk to themselves often isn't planned out. Use the Cue Words exercise to begin using your self-talk in a planned and purposeful manner. Words Cue words help to focus your attention on specific aspects of rowing during practice and competition. Cue words can be anything that helps you stay focused, motivate or shift gears. Many rowers uses words such as 'Strong' or 'Move' or 'Rebound,' but the words that you choose should have some sort of personal meaning to you.