Which psychological skill training technique involves internal dialogue?

Self-talk is a psychological skill training technique that involves internal dialogue, which refers to the conversations we have with ourselves in our minds. This internal dialogue can significantly influence an athlete's performance by impacting their confidence, motivation, and focus. Positive self-talk can enhance performance by reinforcing belief in one's abilities and reducing anxiety, whereas negative self-talk can lead to self-doubt and decreased performance.

In contrast, visualization involves creating a mental image of desired performances, helping athletes mentally rehearse and prepare for competitions. Goal setting focuses on establishing specific, measurable objectives that provide direction and motivation but does not inherently involve internal dialogue. Mindfulness is a technique that emphasizes present-moment awareness and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment, which again is different from the active verbal process characteristic of self-talk. Thus, self-talk stands out as the technique that specifically revolves around internal dialogue.