You know, I’ve seen it time and again: People are more persuaded by your enthusiasm than by your words. It’s the secret sauce that turns a good idea into a movement. Your genuine energy is what people truly buy into, not just the logic on your slides.
Share Image Quote:
Table of Contents
Meaning
It means your energy and passion are more convincing and more contagious than the specific words you choose.
Explanation
Let me break this down for you. Our brains are hardwired to pick up on non-verbal cues first. Long before we process the dictionary definition of someone’s words, we’re subconsciously reading their tone, their posture, the light in their eyes. That’s the real data. The words are just the packaging. I’ve watched brilliant people with mediocre pitches get funded over average ideas delivered with electrifying passion. It’s not fair, but it’s human nature. We connect to feeling. We trust energy. Your enthusiasm is a signal that you truly believe in what you’re saying, and that belief is what becomes infectious.
Quote Summary
Reading Level64
Aesthetic Score82
Origin & Factcheck
This gem comes straight from Leil Lowndes’s 2003 book, How to Talk to Anyone, published right here in the U.S. Sometimes you might see similar sentiments floating around, but this specific phrasing is all Lowndes.
Attribution Summary
Author Bio
Leil Lowndes writes about striking conversations with unknown people and how to put others at ease and maintain relationships. Her techniques are straightforward and practically usable that readers can apply immediately in their workplace, and everyday life. Her book list includes How to Talk to Anyone and Goodbye to Shy which have reached international audiences.
Official Website |Facebook | X | YouTube |
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | People are more persuaded by your enthusiasm than by your words |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 1999; ISBN: 978-0-07-141858-4; Last edition: 2018; Number of pages: 368. |
| Where is it? | Chapter 19: The Power of Enthusiasm, Approximate page 86 from 2018 edition |
Context
In her book, this isn’t some abstract theory. It’s nestled among 92 practical, tactical tricks for building rapport. She’s talking about this in the context of making a powerful first impression and building instant connections, where your vibe often speaks volumes before you even finish your sentence.
Usage Examples
So how do you actually use this? Let’s get practical.
- For the Sales Leader: Stop drilling your team only on the perfect script. Instead, role-play the energy behind it. Have them pitch with genuine excitement about how the product solves a real problem. The prospect will feel that.
- For the Startup Founder: When you’re pitching to investors, yes, your numbers matter. But if you deliver them with the calm detachment of a news anchor, you’ll lose them. Let them see the fire in your belly. Your passion is the proof that you’ll grind through the hard times.
- For Anyone in a Meeting: Next time you suggest an idea, don’t just state it. Lean in. Smile. Let your voice have a little lift. That enthusiasm makes your idea feel more alive, more possible, and it makes people want to be a part of it.
To whom it appeals?
Share This Quote Image & Motivate
Motivation Score85
Popularity Score89
Shareability Score87
FAQ
Question: Does this mean I don’t have to prepare what I’m going to say?
Answer: Oh, absolutely not. Preparation is key. But the goal is to know your material so well that you can stop thinking about the words and start feeling the message. It’s the difference between an actor reading lines and an actor becoming the character.
Question: What if I’m just not an enthusiastic person by nature?
Answer: Great question. You don’t have to be a cheerleader. Authentic enthusiasm looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a quiet, intense conviction. For others, it’s a focused, calm passion. Find the version that feels real for you. Faked excitement is usually obvious and does more harm than good.
Question: Can enthusiasm ever come across as unprofessional?
Answer: It can if it’s misplaced or over-the-top for the situation. The key is calibrated enthusiasm. Reading the room is everything. A somber board meeting requires a different energy than a team brainstorming session. It’s about matching the emotional temperature of the room while still bringing your genuine positive energy to the table.
Similar Quotes
When you are able to maintain your own enthusiasm, you become a catalyst. It’s not about cheerleading; it’s about a contagious energy that literally pulls others up to a higher…
“The ability to arouse enthusiasm…” is more than a nice skill—it’s the engine of real influence and the secret to getting things done through people, not in spite of them.…
The secret of success is enthusiasm… It’s not just a feel-good phrase, it’s the operating system for high achievers. Table of Contents Meaning Explanation Origin & Factcheck Context Usage Examples…
Enthusiasm is contagious when it’s real is one of those simple truths we often overlook. It’s not about putting on a show; it’s about finding that genuine spark within yourself.…
You know, that old Dale Carnegie line, “Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic,” is so much more than just a feel-good phrase. It’s a psychological hack for your own…
