The Skill of Self Confidence (Dr. Ivan Joseph, TEDxRyersonU)
Ivan Joseph, then athletic director and head soccer coach at Ryerson University, argues that self-confidence is a skill you can train through repetition, persistence and the way you talk to yourself. A short, energetic TEDx talk for students and early-career people who think confidence is something you are born with.
Video
Career Growth
Dr. Ivan Joseph (TEDxRyersonU)
About 13 min talk
All
Free
What it is
The Skill of Self Confidence is a TEDx talk given at TEDxRyersonU by Dr. Ivan Joseph, who was then the athletic director and head coach of the varsity soccer team at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) in Canada. It was published on the TEDx Talks YouTube channel in January 2012 and has been watched millions of times. Drawing on years of coaching and recruiting athletes, he explains why he looks for self-confidence above other qualities, and how anyone can build it.
The ideas that matter most
- Confidence is a skill. Like any skill, it is learned, practised and improved. It is not a fixed trait you either have or lack.
- Repetition builds it. Doing something again and again, through failures, is what makes you believe you can do it. Persistence after setbacks is part of the training.
- Watch your self-talk. The voice in your head can knock you down more than anyone else. Replacing harsh self-talk with honest, encouraging statements is something you can practise daily.
- Do not wait for others to build you up. People around you will often point out what is wrong. Confidence includes being your own steady supporter.
Honest limits
The talk is short and motivational, told through sport. It does not deal with deeper causes of low self-worth, such as long-term criticism or low mood. Positive self-talk works best when it is honest, not forced cheerfulness. If your inner critic is constant and harsh, a counsellor or a CBT-based book can help.
Who it suits
Students before exams, presentations or trials, and anyone who believes they are "just not a confident person".
How to use it well
- Watch it, then write down three things you tell yourself before a hard task.
- Rewrite each as a fair, encouraging sentence you could say to a friend.
- Choose one skill, such as presenting, and plan repetitions for the next month.
- Keep a short list of what you have done well, so you have evidence to look at when doubt hits.
Pair it with on Sefism
- Follow Building real confidence.
- Practise repetitions in Speaking and being heard.
- Learn to bounce back with Handling rejection and setbacks.
- For advice on your own situation, ask Tauseef a question.
Best for: a quick, energetic reminder that confidence is trained, not inherited.
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