pep talk

American  

noun

1. a vigorous, emotional talk, as to a person or group, intended to arouse enthusiasm, increase determination to succeed, etc..

   The coach gave the team a pep talk before the game.

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pep talk British  

noun

1. informal an enthusiastic talk designed to increase confidence, production, cooperation, etc

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Etymology

Origin of pep talk

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

He calmed his nerves, he said, by giving himself a blunt pep talk - a move typical of the man who inspired many GIFs with his trademark pointing of the finger towards his temple.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Challengers visited the White House in March for a pep talk and photos.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

"I love my job but it's got to the point where you've got to give yourself a bit of a pep talk in the morning because of what might happen," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

Episode 7, “Divas Down,” opens with Sennott’s character, junior talent manager Maia Simsbury, giving herself a bathroom-mirror pep talk.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2025

But since he was still the team’s captain, he decided he needed to give a pep talk.

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein