Your Energy Is Felt Before You Speak

How Your Emotional State Impacts the World Around You

In today’s interconnected world, communication extends far beyond the words we speak. Whether we are engaging in a meeting, speaking on stage, having a casual conversation, or even sharing a moment with someone, our emotional state plays a significant role in shaping the energy we bring to those interactions. Often, it's not what we say that leaves the greatest impression, it’s the energy we radiate before we even speak.

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately sensed a shift in the atmosphere, even though no one had said anything yet? That’s energy at work. It’s the subtle vibrations we give off based on our emotions, intentions, and mindset. This energy can have a profound impact on our relationships, productivity, and overall success.

I often have people approach me when I enter a room saying “I know this may sound strange, but I felt like I needed to come to talk to you!”.

So, how does our emotional state influence the world around us? Let’s take a deeper dive into this powerful phenomenon, exploring the science behind it, and how we can use it to enhance our lives and work environments.

The Science of Emotional Contagion: How Energy Spreads

Emotions are contagious. Whether we realise it or not, the emotional energy we carry affects others in subtle yet powerful ways. This phenomenon, known as emotional contagion, occurs when we "catch" the emotions of those around us, whether positive or negative.

Research has shown that emotions can spread through social networks with incredible speed. For instance, if you walk into a room and someone is visibly upset or anxious, it’s likely that you’ll start to feel those same emotions, even if you don’t fully understand why. Similarly, when you’re in a positive, high-energy environment, that energy is contagious as well.

We have data that shows us that working with negative people decreases productivity by 30%. This is a significant impact on output, let alone the emotional impact it has within any business. On the other hand, when we create an environment where we have a happy workplace, productivity increases by 15%, so we can see that energy and the way in which we radiate our emotions effect not only us, but others around us.

As leaders, colleagues, or friends, being aware of the emotional energy we bring to the table can directly influence team dynamics, the tone of conversations, and the overall atmosphere of a room. When we consciously cultivate positive emotions like empathy, gratitude, or joy, we create an environment that encourages collaboration, trust, and creativity.

Your Energy is a Reflection of Your Emotional State

The energy we give off is often a direct reflection of our inner emotional state. If we’re feeling stressed, frustrated, or overwhelmed, that tension is often visible in our body language, tone of voice, and even our posture. On the other hand, if we are calm, centred, and at ease, we naturally project a more positive, grounded energy.

This connection between emotional states and external energy is rooted in both our subconscious and conscious minds. When we are in a positive emotional state, we tend to be more open, approachable, and engaging. When we’re in a negative state, we might unknowingly close ourselves off, become defensive, or communicate with less warmth.

As human beings, we’re constantly reading each other’s emotional cues. This means that our energy—whether we realise it or not—often sets the tone for how others interact with us.

Energy and Non-verbal Communication: The Power of Presence

Before you even say a word, your body is communicating something to the world. Non-verbal cues like eye contact, facial expressions, and body posture all contribute to the energy you project. This is why someone’s presence in a room can leave a lasting impression, even before they speak.

Research in the field of body language reveals that as much as 93% of communication is nonverbal. That means that the majority of how we express ourselves, our energy, happens without a single word being uttered. When we’re aware of this, we can use it to our advantage by aligning our emotional state with the energy we wish to project.

For example, when we approach a conversation with an open stance, a genuine smile, and attentive body language, we create an atmosphere of trust and connection. Conversely, if we enter a conversation with closed-off body language or a tense posture, we may unintentionally convey resistance or discomfort.

Energy and Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Positive Influence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand, manage, and influence our own emotions and the emotions of others. It is a critical skill in fostering positive relationships, both in the workplace and in life. People with high EQ are more adept at managing their energy in a way that positively influences those around them.

When we have a strong sense of emotional self-awareness, we can recognise when our energy is becoming negative or misaligned with the situation at hand. With this awareness, we have the power to recalibrate and shift our emotional state. For instance, if we feel ourselves becoming frustrated in a meeting, a moment of deep breathing (what I call a moment to pause) or a change in perspective can help restore calmness, allowing us to engage more effectively and open to listen to differences.

High emotional intelligence also allows us to be more attuned to the energy of others. By recognising the emotional states of those around us, we can adjust our responses to meet them where they are at, creating a more empathetic and supportive environment.

Harnessing the Power of Energy for Personal and Professional Growth

Understanding how energy works doesn’t just help us navigate social interactions, it can also be a tool for personal transformation. When we intentionally focus on cultivating positive energy, we create a feedback loop that enhances our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

For example, when we consciously choose to focus on gratitude, joy, or mindfulness, we begin to elevate our emotional state. This shift in energy not only improves our mood but also attracts more positive experiences into our lives. Over time, we build resilience, increase our capacity for empathy, and enhance our ability to stay grounded in the face of challenges.

Professional and personal growth, in many ways, is about aligning our energy with our highest aspirations. When we take responsibility for our emotional state and the energy we bring to the world, we become more empowered to create the life we want to live.

Energy is the unspoken force that shapes our interactions, perceptions, and experiences. It’s felt before words are even spoken, and it plays a significant role in how we connect with others and create impact. By becoming more aware of our emotional states and how they influence the energy we project, we can create more meaningful, positive interactions and workplaces that support both personal and professional growth.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, how do you manage your energy, and how has it impacted your interactions with others? Let’s continue this conversation and explore how we can all harness the power of energy to build better, more connected lives.