The Art of the Pep Talk

Pep talks (to yourself or others) are a connection communicating a call to action, it’s results, and the relationships needed to carry it out. Great pep talks connect a moment by leveraging the heart, a clear direction, and the opportunity for greatness into a successful outcome. #DailyMight

I have delivered hundreds of pep talks in several different areas of my life over the years. Some I had the chance to prepare for – with detailed notes and memes, famous quotes, etc – and some I was thrust into because of the moment. As I’ve honed the skill, I’ve learned a few things about delivering successful pep talks to families, athletes, and board rooms. Where to start, where to go, where do you make the call to action? All these, are important in the Art of the Pep Talk.

Start with the heart.

Empathy seems like a buzzy word lately. I see it on social media, in magazines – I hear them talk about it on TV. Empathy is relational, as in the better the relationship – the more empathy plays a factor in motivating. “I understand” coming from a trusted coach or mentor means more than “I’m sorry you’re in that difficult spot facing an unbeatable opponent” (literally, and figuratively). “I have been where you are, and I have overcome” is an empathetic battle cry, a source of encouragement from a coach, leader, or teammate. Empathy isn’t weakness, it’s foresight that builds trust through relational experiences and understanding. That’s a powerful connection.

Move in a focused direction.

A great pep talk and its effectiveness is in its direction. Understandable and detailed instructions that are geared toward the execution of a goal or several goals together. Instructions insulated by the relationship that has been built and the care that has been demonstrated. Pep talks need a call to action, an opportunity to rise up and conquer the unconquerable. Give specifics how those you lead have been equipped for success and what success will look like once accomplished. Detailed doesn’t mean exhaustive however, it means enough to get the job done successfully. Choose direction carefully, and keep it simply detailed.

This is our time. This is our moment.

I’ll never forget in Miracle (the movie) when Coach Brooks uttered the iconic line to the USA players who were about to face the goliath that was the Russians. It wasn’t an accident. Pep talks need to be made personal. And the easiest way to do as such is to create the story (which also build empathy, by the way). What experience of yours can you offer to your players that help them visualize success? Use your experiences, in the game or otherwise, to connect the dots for your players. Help them envision the success and that they have been properly equipped in this moment to succeed in. Move from emotion, to direction, to action in the opportunity that is in front of you.

I spoke earlier about pep talks as a skill, and I think there is some truth to that. But I think what I really meant was pep talks are a connection via communicating a call to action, it’s results and the opportunity to take to succeed. Pep talk greatness is about connection in a moment that leverages the heart, the direction, and the opportunity into a successful outcome. Sometimes that’s on the scoreboard. Some times that’s in life. Good luck in both, you got this!

Give everything your everything. And then some.

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