Speak to the Heart: How Emotions Drive Action in Public Speaking

Particular emotions engender and elicit specific actions. To move people to action in public speaking, sales, and communication, one must know which emotions to trigger or transmit to an audience.

What emotions should you target if you want people to rally together in a united front? What emotions should you target to trigger if you want people to purchase something or donate to a course? What about when you want them to go out and advocate for specific causes?

From another perspective, what actions are people most likely to take when they are in specific emotional states like they are happy, excited, sad, angry, etc? To be an effective speaker, one must learn about these relationships between emotions and the actions they are likely to motivate.

Effective public speaking isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about moving people to action. The most impactful communicators know how to tap into emotions to inspire action. Emotions are powerful triggers, each driving unique responses. When you understand these emotional triggers, you can craft speeches, presentations, and pitches that communicate, connect deeply, and compel your audience to act.

Let’s explore the connection between emotions and actions, and how you can leverage this knowledge to make your speeches unforgettable.

Fear

Action: Avoidance, seeking safety, or preparation.
Examples: Cancelling plans, staying in familiar places, or over-planning contingencies.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Action: Impulsive decisions, participation, or purchasing.
Examples: Signing up for events, buying limited-time offers, or joining trends to feel included.

Joy/Happiness

Action: Sharing, celebrating, and giving.
Examples: Posting on social media, treating others, or engaging in enjoyable experiences like travel or hobbies.

Sadness

Action: Withdrawal, reflection, or seeking comfort.
Examples: Spending time alone, binge-watching shows, or talking to a friend for support.

Anger

Action: Confrontation, protest, or advocacy.
Examples: Writing complaints, arguing, or starting movements to demand change.

Anxiety/Worry

Action: Avoidance, over-preparation, or seeking reassurance.
Examples: Double-checking plans, obsessively researching, or procrastinating.

Pride

Action: Sharing achievements, taking bold steps, associating with success
Examples: Posting accomplishments online, taking on leadership roles, or pursuing ambitious goals and famous people.

Shame/Guilt

Action: Apologizing, correcting mistakes, or avoiding judgment.
Examples: Saying sorry, fixing errors, or staying out of the spotlight.

Curiosity

Action: Exploring, learning, or experimenting.
Examples: Trying new activities, asking questions, diving into a new book, course, or documentary, or taking an interest in people, places, and things

Love/Admiration

Action: Giving, nurturing, or committing.
Examples: Buying gifts, spending quality time, or making long-term plans.

Envy

Action: Striving to match others or resenting them.
Examples: Working harder to acquire what others have or criticizing their success.

Gratitude

Action: Expressing thanks, returning favors, or paying it forward.
Examples: Writing thank-you notes, donating, or mentoring someone.

Excitement

Action: Taking risks, exploring, or engaging quickly.
Examples: Booking trips, signing up for events, or investing in new opportunities.

Hope

Action: Persevering, investing, or setting goals.
Examples: Applying for jobs, saving money, or starting a project despite uncertainty.

Disgust

Action: Avoidance, rejection, or cleaning.
Examples: Declining food, distancing from people or places, or throwing items away.

By understanding the actions each emotion typically invokes, you can predict behavior, motivate others, or better manage your own responses.