How to Infuse Emotion into Your Communications

Tuesday August 18th 2026

Donors don’t fall in love with institutions—they connect with causes, people, and stories that reflect their own values. Yet too often, our communications default to formal, transactional language that fails to inspire. In this session, you’ll learn how to make the shift to cause-based messaging that sparks emotion, builds connection, and strengthens donor engagement.

We’ll explore:

• Understanding the psychology behind cause-based messaging—and why emotional resonance drives deeper engagement than institutional jargon.
• Identifying and elevating mission-centric stories that align with donor values, lived experiences, and motivations for giving.
• Applying practical strategies to shift tone and voice in appeals, reports, and stewardship—from formal and transactional to human and heartfelt.