The speaker tells us that negative comments significantly affect soccer players' performance, particularly through social media. Criticism from fans, teammates, coaches, and the media can undermine confidence, concentration, and motivation, leading to technical errors and decreased effort. Examples include players deleting social media or losing passion for the sport due to harsh online criticism. To combat this, teams implement strategies like pre-game focus sessions and support from psychologists, who help athletes manage the emotional impact of words. Motivation is crucial for peak performance, and negative comments can lead players to question their dedication. However, with the right mindset and strategies, soccer players can overcome negativity and reach their full potential. The speech emphasizes that managing public scrutiny is essential for maintaining performance in the sport. Diagnna loves to read and would love to be part of one of her favorite stories. She wonders what comes out of our idealization of fictional characters. Can we fall in love with a character from a book? And what happens next? This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx