Editing Telling Stories (section)

=== Emotions ===
[[File:Emotions.png|thumb|Action Motivators and their corresponding Action Inhibitors]]
The key to motivation is understanding that '''values inspire action ''through'' emotion'''. Stories enable us to communicate how we feel about what matters, so compelling stories are not overly abstract or purely intellectual; they are grounded in real experiences that can move others.

Because storytelling in organizing is about inspiring action, leaders must learn to '''mobilize emotions that make agency possible'''. Some emotions inhibit action—such as inertia, apathy, fear, isolation, and self-doubt—while others facilitate action—such as urgency, anger, hope, solidarity, and the sense that “you can make a difference” (You Can Make A Difference, or YCMAD).

For instance, fear can paralyze us and lead us to rationalize inaction. Amplified by self-doubt and isolation, fear can produce despair. Hope can counter fear, and, together with self-esteem (YCMAD) and love (solidarity), can move us to act.

One way to evoke emotion in stories is to '''show rather than tell'''. Where possible, paint a picture—describe the details of what you experienced and felt—instead of just stating facts. Notice the difference:

* “When I heard the election result, I was really upset.”
* “I was sitting on the couch in my living room with my partner, watching the results on my laptop. When the news announcer called the election and that red banner came across the screen, I felt a little sick. I turned to my partner, and they had a shell-shocked expression on their face.”

The second statement helps listeners empathize and feel what the storyteller felt.

Effective storytellers adapt their stories to different audiences by tuning into what listeners are feeling and then evoking timely, relevant, action-motivating emotions. That said, while action-motivating emotions can help someone resist action-inhibiting emotions, they do not erase them—especially when the issue involves ongoing marginalization. Storytelling can help people act despite those emotional barriers; it doesn’t make them disappear.