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Harapnuik, D. (2015, January 9). The head won’t go where the heart hasn’t been. It’s About Learning. http://www.harapnuik.org/?p=5461

Power of Words. (2010, February 23). The power of words [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Hzgzim5m7oU

Crucial Learning. (2018, June 26). How to change people who don’t want to change | The Behavioral Science Guys [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/9ACi-D5DI6A

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In the Power of Words video consider how the facts detached from our hearts had little impact - why do we all too often focus on the facts?

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Consider how few words can make a difference? How will this influence your video creation?

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The BSGuys argue that when you are trying to influence people who need motivation not information, adding more information doesn't help. What does your audience really need? Chances are it isn't information.

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What will you be targeting, your audience's heads or hearts, or both?

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If you want to motivate people to action how should structure your video message?

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How can videos or other media help create a sense of urgency?

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BSGuys. (2012, September 20). Change behavior: Stop providing information [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/9ACi-D5DI6A

Harapnuik, D. (2013, May 5). The head won’t go where the heart hasn’t been. It’s About Learning. https://www.harapnuik.org/?p=5461

Purplefeather. (2010, May 14). The power of words [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Hzgzim5m7oU

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After watching The Power of Words (Sharma 2010), I was struck by how much more powerful emotionally charged language is compared to plain facts. In the video, a blind man’s original sign, “I am blind. Please help,” communicates a clear fact, yet it inspires little action. When someone writes it to say, “It’s a beautiful day, and I can’t see it,” people passing by suddenly begin to respond with generosity and empathy. The facts remained the same, but the emotional impact changed. This illustrates a powerful truth, that facts detached from emotions often have little influence. Still, in education and leadership, we frequently focus on facts because they feel objective, rational, and safe. We assume that if people have the right information, they will change, but this is rarely the case.

As Harapnuik (2014) argues in The Head Won’t Go Where the Heart Hasn’t Been,  meaningful change begins in the affective domain through values, beliefs, and emotional connection. When we try to influence others through information alone, without first appealing to what they care about, our efforts often fall flat. Similarly, the BSGuys make the point that when people lack motivation, giving them more information does not help. If we are honest with ourselves, most of our audiences, whether students, parents, or colleagues, do not need more facts. What they really need is a compelling reason to care. They need to see themselves in the message.

When planning a video, this is what I need to keep in mind.  They need to feel something. Few words can make a major difference, as we see in Sharma’s video. That means every word I include must be intentional and emotionally resonant. I want my video to connect to both the heart and the head, but I will start with the heart. A successful message does not begin with data; it begins with empathy. For my structure, I plan to open with a hook that triggers emotion, perhaps a story, image, or question. Then I will present a problem in a relatable way that encourages emotional investment. After that, I will offer a visual of what is possible and use a few powerful facts to support that vision. Finally, I will end with a clear and inspiring call to action.

Kotter (2012) emphasizes that leaders must use multiple forms of communication to build urgency and drive change. This advice aligns well with the use of videos or media, which can engage audiences on multiple levels, visually, emotionally, and intellectually. Videos, unlike written communication, allow us to control the tone, pace, and emotion of the message through music, voice, and imagery. That combination is a powerful tool for creating a sense of urgency, which Kotter identifies as a critical first step in motivating people to act. Reflecting on all of this, I am more aware than ever that if I want to inspire change or action, I cannot rely on information alone. I need to speak to the heart first, and then the head. This is the power of well-crafted words, emotional storytelling, and media designed with intention.

References

Harapnuik, D. (2014, February 17). The head won’t go where the heart hasn’t been. It’s About Learning. https://www.harapnuik.org/?p=5461

Kotter, J.P. (2012). Leading change. Harvard Business Review Press.

Sharma, R. (2010, November 1). The power of words [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzgzim5m7oU

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As an analytical person, I often focus on facts and logic because they feel reliable and clear. I also sometimes have difficulty distinguishing when someone is joking or serious, which makes me rely even more on information for reassurance. In the Power of Words video, I realized that while facts can seem straightforward, they may not always move people to act. What often matters more is how those facts are framed in a way that speaks to the heart, the heart can't hear, and the eyes can't see....

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A few words can make a big difference when the tone is right. In my video, I want to keep the message short but make sure the tone shows how important it is. Simple words with the right feeling can be more powerful than a lot of information. Very similar to the YouTube video on the blind man. IMPACTFUL!

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Facts can help, but when they are told through a story that connects to emotion, the message is stronger. This can be hard because not everyone in the room feels the same way at the same time. Still, actions and responses have a bigger impact when people share the same emotions and experiences together. It is the same in a classroom. To get students to see and follow the learning, the energy has to reach the majority, not just one individual. When most of the group connects to the message, it creates momentum that pulls others in. For my video, I want to build that same kind of shared feeling, where the message is simple but strong enough that the audience feels it together and wants to act.

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Because I am analytical, I usually focus on the head, where facts and logic guide the message. When it comes to the heart, I sometimes go too deep and have trouble keeping it clear and balanced. I know that both are important, but it is not easy for me to do both at the same time. This is why I value group projects. Collaboration lets everyone bring their strengths. Some people are better at adding the emotional side, while I can add the facts and structure. Together, the message is stronger. For my video, I will focus on what I do best, but also leave space for others to bring in the emotion that connects to the heart.

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If I want to motivate people to action, my video should be structured in a way that feels natural and engaging. I already do this in my current position at work. I have found a niche with students by using the phrase “Did you know?” to spark curiosity. From there, I share possibilities, opportunities, and what can be done both today and in the future. This structure works because it starts with a small question that opens their minds, then gives them a reason to imagine themselves taking the next step. I have also learned that pauses can have a big impact, giving people a moment to really think about what was just said. For my video, I want to keep that same structure, hook the audience with curiosity, use pauses to let the message sink in, show them what is possible, and end with a clear call to action of "did you know?"

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Videos and other media can create a sense of urgency in ways that plain words cannot. Tone can show seriousness or excitement, reactions can make the message feel real, and music can build energy or emotion. The location and background of the video can also set the mood, while gestures and body language help show the importance of the message. All of these pieces work together to make people feel the need to act now instead of waiting.

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Andrea Gardner Power of Words. (2010, February 23). The power of words [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzgzim5m7oU

Associated Press. (n.d.). The power of video in news media: How increased audience engagement drives success. AP Insights. https://www.ap.org/insights/the-power-of-video-in-news-media-how-increased-audience-engagement-drives-success/