The Heart of Your Message: Why Emotion is Your Secret Speaking Superpower

When it comes to delivering a powerful presentation or keynote, it’s not just about the facts and figures. The real impact comes from connecting with your audience on an emotional level – and that means finding the emotional heart of your message. In this blog post, I’m going to share why this matters, how you can do it, and why it’s the secret to becoming a truly memorable speaker.

Why the Emotional Heart Matters

As speakers, it’s easy to get caught up in the information we want to share – the key points, strategies, and data we believe will make the biggest impact. But without an emotional core, even the most insightful message can fall flat. Here’s why:

• Connection and Trust: Emotions build trust. When we share a part of ourselves, it invites our audience to do the same, creating a powerful connection.

• Empathy and Resonance: Our brains are wired with mirror neurons, which allow us to empathize and feel what others are experiencing. This is why we tear up during a sad movie scene or feel inspired by a rousing speech.

• Memorability: As the great Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Finding Your Emotional Heart

So, how do you find the emotional heart of your message? It starts with digging into your own experiences and being willing to share the moments that have shaped you. Here are some prompts to get you started:

1. Reflect on Moments of Challenge or Transformation
   Think about a time when you faced resistance, struggled with self-doubt, or overcame a significant obstacle. These are often the experiences that shape our purpose and passion.

2. Identify the Emotional Core of Your Story
   Ask yourself: What did you learn about yourself and others in that moment? How did it change you? Why does it still matter to you today?

3. Be Willing to Be Vulnerable
   Vulnerability is powerful, but it can also be uncomfortable. Share the emotions you felt – fear, heartbreak, pride, joy – and trust that your audience will connect with you on a deeper level because of it.

Examples of Emotional Heart in Action

Here are a few examples I shared in the episode:

• Eliza Hamilton in the Musical Hamilton
  Eliza’s Act 2 song, Burn, captures the heartbreak and betrayal she feels after learning of Alexander Hamilton’s affair. It’s a deeply emotional moment that grounds the story and gives the audience a powerful point of connection.

• Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well”
  In her 10-minute version of All Too Well, Taylor Swift doesn’t just share the facts of a breakup – she invites us into her emotional world, capturing the raw pain and reflection that make the song so impactful.

• Personal Story – Facing Resistance in My Purpose
  I shared a personal story in this episode about a time when I felt isolated and unsupported in my early career. The emotions I felt then – vulnerability, disappointment, and ultimately, resilience – still resonate with me today and shape how I approach my work.

Action Steps for Finding Your Emotional Heart

If you’re ready to find the emotional heart of your message, here are some concrete steps you can take:

✅ Identify a Pivotal Moment: Think about a time when you faced a challenge, made a difficult decision, or experienced a turning point.
✅ Focus on the Feelings: Don’t just share the facts – share how you felt in that moment and what it meant to you.
✅ Be Real, Not Perfect: Authenticity matters more than a polished narrative. Share the messy, imperfect parts of your story that reveal who you really are.
✅ Practice Sharing It: Test your story with a trusted friend, colleague, or coach, and pay attention to how it feels to share it. Does it resonate with them?

Ready to Take Your Speaking to the Next Level?

🎯 Join the Thought Leader Academy
If you want to clarify your message, build your thought leadership, and create your signature talk, our online Thought Leader Academy is designed for you. In this transformational program, we’ll guide you in finding the emotional heart of your message, crafting a signature talk, and developing the confidence to speak on any stage.
➡️ Learn More and Apply

🎤 Attend Our Next In-Person Workshop
Prefer hands-on practice? Join us for our upcoming in-person workshop in Orlando, where you’ll get the opportunity to work directly with me and other incredible women to craft and refine your message, share your story, and practice your delivery in a supportive environment.
➡️ Save Your Spot