“She was sad” should be in the dictionary under “tell, don’t show”.

Emotion—something so central to human connection—gets watered down into the simplest, most literal words: sad, angry, happy.

What if we went deeper? Imagine instead: “She was crying.” Now we’re showing. Now we’re describing. And chances are, you just felt a twinge of sadness yourself. That’s because words like “crying” are more than descriptions—they’re tied to our shared, instinctive understanding of emotions.

These action words are no ordinary verbs. They carry meaning rooted in personal and collective experience. They’re supercharged. They activate internal feelings and emotional states. Take a word like justice—it can spark joy, frustration, or dismay depending on context, like a jury’s verdict.

Why Action Words Matter

This connection between words and emotions isn’t limited to abstract concepts. It works like concrete ones too. When you hear “pen,” you instantly picture one. But here’s the kicker: abstract action words like “crying” don’t just evoke emotions—they’re processed faster by our brains than literal words like “sad.” They create mental ease, which is a critical component of good writing and storytelling.

Why do words like “cry” and “laugh” feel more powerful than “sad” or “happy”? It’s all in how our brains process language. Action words activate more neural pathways, engaging both memory and emotional centers. This not only makes the writing more vivid but also creates a stronger emotional connection with the reader. The takeaway? Using verbs that evoke action and emotion makes your storytelling faster, more engaging, and far more memorable.

But Beware of Common Pitfalls

Just because an action word is powerful doesn’t mean it’s always the right choice. Overuse or misalignment can backfire. For instance, “scream” as an action for anger may not resonate in every context; a quieter, subtler action like “clenched fists” may work better. Think about your audience and the emotional tone you want to convey.

Emotion Labels and Action Words

Here’s a reference guide to help you swap out overly simplistic emotion words for vivid, action-packed alternatives. Use it to tell more compelling stories and create stronger emotional connections:

Make It Practical

Let’s put this into action. Instead of saying, “The villagers were scared,” try something more vivid: “The villagers shrank back, their breath catching at the sight.” The action draws you in, creating a more visceral scene.

Creating mental ease is important if you want to write well and tell stories well. And emotion in writing matters. But as we’ve said a thousand times (make that a thousand and one), people don’t give because you make them feel sad. They give because they believe giving will make them feel better. Emotion is the goal, not the cause of behavior. This distinction is vital and often overlooked in effective fundraising. It’s not about making someone feel bad—it’s about showing how their action can create positive change, both in the world and within themselves.

Bring Your Story to Life

Think of your writing as a bridge connecting the reader’s emotions to their decisions. When you swap out flat, abstract words for vibrant, descriptive ones, you’re building a stronger, more compelling connection. You’re helping your audience see themselves in the story and inspiring them to take meaningful action.

So, as you move forward, remember: the words you choose matter. They shape how your story is heard, felt, and remembered. Bring your writing to life, one action word at a time.

Kevin