Performance development - Mental factorsDeveloping level of arousal

Approach: Motivational tools and Team talks

Using motivational tools, rewards and praise can increase a performer’s willingness to do their best at all times.

Team talks are a good way of making sure the correct level of arousal is present for a performance. A skilled coach, teacher, leader or captain can get individuals into the right frame of mind for challenging performances. By being calm, encouraging, positive and revisiting past successful performances, a positive or optimum level of arousal can be established.

The process a group leader might go through during a pre-performance ‘team-talk’ might be:

• the leader begins by praising everyone for the last successful performance
• they might also name people who had made a significant contribution
• this can boost motivation and inspire others to try to do the same

• turning to the current performance, they would use praise and encouragement to motivate everyone to do their best
• the leader would finish by telling them they believed in them and that together they could be successful
• this would encourage them to work together and try to function as a team