Which method would you use to encourage someone’s belief in their ability to succeed?

Using verbal persuasion is an effective method to encourage someone’s belief in their ability to succeed because it involves affirming and reinforcing the individual's potential and skills through supportive communication. This approach helps in building self-confidence, as positive and encouraging words can foster a belief in one's capabilities.

Verbal persuasion creates an environment of trust and support, making individuals feel more capable and valued. When people hear affirmatives about their strengths and potential for achievement, it can motivate them to take on challenges and pursue their goals with greater confidence. This technique is often utilized in coaching and mentoring scenarios where building self-efficacy is essential for performance improvement and personal development.

The other options, while they may have their own merits in different contexts, do not directly address the enhancement of self-belief in the same impactful way. Vague goals can lead to confusion and lack of direction, social competition could foster anxiety rather than empowerment, and external rewards might incentivize behavior but don't necessarily reinforce belief in personal abilities.