Successful performance raises efficacy expectancies while failure tends to lower them. Vicarious experiences are a second source of efficacy. By observing the behavior and outcomes of others, we form hypotheses about the relationships between their behavior and outcomes. Observing a model performing behavior that results in beneficial consequences raises self-efficacy. Observing someone of equal competence fail at a task lowers self-efficacy.
Verbal persuasion is also effective in influencing self-efficacy.
This technique will only work if the person believes the persuader. If the success expectations are not positively reinforced by direct experience, future efficacy will not be raised. For these reasons, it is not a very strong source. Emotional arousal influences efficacy in threatening situations. Strong emotions usually lower performance when people judge their abilities using their emotional arousal as a basis.