Don't Lose the Feeling: The Power of Emotion in Leadership Communication

"Now, say it once more. This time with more feeling."  I can't tell you how many times I say this in coaching sessions. It's a privilege to work with wonderful clients, but many start their coaching program using a delivery style that limits their influence. They shy away from using emotion or passion in their communication, fearing that they may, as Dorie Clark (Harvard Business Review) so aptly puts it, "freak out" their colleagues or clients. This fear is common, but it can hold us back.

The truth is that emotions are an essential part of effective communication. In his article, "Why Passion Is So Important for Leaders," Peter Economy (Inc.) argues that leaders who are passionate about their work are more likely to inspire their teams and achieve great results. When we are genuinely passionate about a topic, we convey our enthusiasm and energy to our audience. Our emotions can add depth and richness to our message, making it more memorable and engaging. Emotions are also contagious and can quickly change the vibe in the room. Great leaders know the power of positive emotion, and it's front and centre in their leadership communication repertoire.

Of course, it's crucial to strike a balance between emotion and logic. Logic is essential for making good sense and building trust and credibility. By presenting a well-thought-out argument supported by evidence, we can ensure that our audience sees us as knowledgeable and reliable. But when we combine logic with emotion, we create a dynamic and impactful message that resonates more strongly with audiences.

The key to powerful speaking lies in finding the right balance between emotion and logic. So the next time you step up to the podium, remember to bring both your heart and your head to the table.

Here are some tips to help you use emotions at work effectively:

1. Understand the role of emotions in communication: Emotions can add depth and richness to your message, making it more memorable and engaging. By understanding the role of emotions in communication, you can better leverage them to connect with your audience.

2. Be aware of your emotions: Before expressing your emotions, it's essential to be aware of what you're feeling and why. Take a moment to reflect on your emotions and consider how they might be perceived by others.

3. Choose the right emotions: Not all emotions are appropriate for all situations. Choose the emotions that best fit the context of your message and the audience you're speaking to.

4. Use body language: Body language can be a powerful way to convey emotion. Use gestures, facial expressions, and posture to support your message and convey your emotions effectively.

5. Modulate your voice: Varying your tone, pace, and volume can help you convey emotions effectively. Experiment with different vocal techniques to find the ones that work best for you and the message you're trying to convey. Remember, monotone delivery can be perceived as boring or disengaging, while a well-modulated voice can keep your audience engaged and interested.

6. Practice active listening: Active listening involves paying attention to the speaker, understanding their perspective, and responding empathetically. By actively listening, you can better understand how your audience is feeling and adjust your message accordingly.

7. Practice empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. By practicing empathy, you can better connect with your audience and convey your message in a way that resonates with them.

8. Practice, practice, practice: Using emotions effectively in the workplace takes practice. Take every opportunity to speak in public, give presentations, and engage with your colleagues. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with using emotions in your communication.

By incorporating these tips into your communication style, you can use emotions effectively to connect with your audience, motivate and inspire others, and achieve your goals.

Don't be afraid to tap into your emotions and connect with your audience on a deeper level. By doing so, you'll deliver your point in a way that truly moves and inspires. Remember, the power of emotions in effective communication is undeniable.

#communication #emotions #emotionalintelligence #nonverbalcommunication #leadership #voicecoaching