pep talks
Rousing locker-room addresses
Pep talks are speeches meant to inspire confidence, enthusiasm, or determination—typically given before a challenge or after a setback.
Coaches give pep talks to teams at halftime, managers give them before big presentations, and people give them to themselves in the mirror: I need a pep talk right now.
The singular works as a verb: She pep-talked him into applying.
- cheerleaderTeam spirit performer
- motivational speechesAddresses meant to inspire
- exhortationUrgent persuasive appeal
- inspiringEvoking enthusiasm or drive
- fire in the bellyFierce internal motivation
morale · support · encouragement · rallying cries · rally the troops · booster · motivation · fighting spirit · dig deep · cheering · confidence · comeback · enthusiasm · pump up · reassurance · pick me up · affirmations · believe in yourself
- sports motivation
- energizerscoffee, caffeine, energy drinks, energy drink, espresso
- supportsupport, emotional support, moral support, support group, stand by
- motivational speecheskeynote speeches, keynotes, commencement speeches, graduation speeches
- oratorypublic speaking, speeches, oration, orations, addresses
- speechesspeech, addresses, historic speeches, lecture, soliloquy
pep talksdressing-downs
Sharp formal rebukes
tongue-lashings · buzzkills · put-downs · tear-downs · doom and gloom
pep talksreprimands
Formal expressions of disapproval
scoldings · rebukes · criticisms · admonishments · lectures
talk, pepper, pep, talks, talking, talkative, peppy, talker, talked