Emotion: Encouragement

When you want to write the emotion encouragement, it's important to "show" the emotion your character is experiencing through their physical reactions and dialogue, rather than "tell" it. In this article we provide you with inspiration so you can avoid showing instead of telling and immerse your readers in your story.

Encouragement is a feeling of hope, support, and positivity that motivates and inspires individuals to pursue their goals and aspirations. It involves providing someone with the confidence and reassurance they need to keep moving forward, even in the face of challenges or setbacks. Encouragement can come from a variety of sources, including friends, family, mentors, and even oneself. It is a powerful emotion that can help individuals overcome self-doubt, fear, and uncertainty, and achieve their full potential.

Different Types of Encouragement

Here are some different types of encouragement:

• Positive reinforcement: Rewarding characters for exhibiting desired behavior or traits.
• Motivation: Providing a reason or incentive for characters to take action or pursue their goals.
• Support: Offering emotional or practical assistance to help characters overcome obstacles or challenges.
• Belief: Demonstrating faith or confidence in characters' abilities or potential.
• Inspiration: Providing examples or ideas that stimulate characters' creativity or spark their imagination.
• Empowerment: Giving characters a sense of control or agency over their lives or situations.

Situations Associated with Encouragement

Here are some situations where a character might experience the emotion of encouragement:

• Receiving positive feedback or praise from someone they respect
• Overcoming a difficult obstacle or challenge
• Having someone believe in them and their abilities
• Witnessing others achieve success or make progress
• Feeling a sense of accomplishment or progress towards a goal
• Being offered help or guidance from a mentor or supportive friend
• Seeing the potential for growth or improvement in themselves or their situation
• Being reminded of their strengths and past successes

Physical Reactions to Encouragement

Here are some physical reactions a character experiencing encouragement might have:

• Smiling and nodding in agreement.
• Leaning forward and maintaining eye contact.
• Offering words of support and motivation.
• Giving a pat on the back or a handshake.
• Clapping or cheering.
• Offering a high-five or a fist bump.
• Displaying open body language, such as uncrossed arms and legs.
• Using positive language and tone of voice.
• Providing specific feedback or constructive criticism.

Thoughts Associated with Encouragement

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing encouragement might have:

• I can do this!
• I'm capable of achieving my goals.
• I believe in myself.
• I have the support of those around me.
• Even if I fail, I'll learn from my mistakes and try again.
• I'm making progress towards my dreams.
• I'm proud of what I've accomplished so far.
• I'm excited to see where this journey takes me.
• I'm grateful for the opportunities I've been given.

Atmosphere of Encouragement

Here are some ways that you might reflect the emotion of encouragement in the atmosphere of your scene:

• Choose settings that are bright, open, and spacious, such as a sunny park or a bustling city street, to evoke a sense of possibility and optimism.
• Include supportive characters who offer positive feedback, constructive criticism, or practical advice to the protagonist, such as a mentor, a friend, or a family member.
• Use sensory details that emphasize the beauty, richness, or uniqueness of the environment, such as the sound of birds chirping, the smell of freshly baked bread, or the sight of colorful flowers in bloom.
• Show the protagonist engaging in activities that challenge them but also give them a sense of accomplishment and progress, such as learning a new skill, completing a difficult task, or achieving a personal goal.
• Use dialogue that is uplifting, motivating, and empowering, such as affirmations, compliments, or words of wisdom, to inspire the protagonist and reinforce their self-confidence and determination.

Verbs Associated with Encouragement

Here are some verbs commonly associated with the emotion of encouragement:

• Inspire
• Motivate
• Uplift
• Cheer
• Support
• Nurture
• Strengthen
• Reassure
• Embolden

Emotions Before Encouragement

Here are some emotions that may come before a character experiences encouragement:

• Doubt
• Fear
• Insecurity
• Disappointment
• Frustration
• Despair
• Hopelessness

Emotions After Encouragement

Here are some emotions that may come after a character experiences encouragement:

• Confidence
• Gratitude
• Motivation
• Hope
• Optimism
• Determination
• Empowerment
• Joy
• Inspiration

Telling Encouragement Examples to Avoid

Here are some examples of telling the emotion encouragement in a sentence. You should avoid things like this:

• Jane felt encouraged by her mentor's words.
• The coach's pep talk gave the team a much-needed boost.
• Hearing her father's words of support made Sarah feel more confident.
• The teacher's positive feedback motivated the student to keep working hard.
• His friend's encouragement gave him the courage to try again.
• The crowd's cheers encouraged the athlete to push herself even harder.
• The boss's praise made the employee feel valued and appreciated.
• The mother's words of encouragement helped her child overcome their fear.
• The kind words from a stranger lifted her spirits and gave her hope.

Practical Examples of Showing Encouragement

Here are some examples of showing encouragement in a sentence:

• She felt the warmth of his hand on her shoulder, a silent reassurance that she was on the right path.
• As she read the note, her heart swelled with gratitude and the newfound strength to keep going.
• The sight of the sunrise over the hills gave her a burst of hope and renewed energy to face the day ahead.
• The encouraging smile on his face was all the motivation she needed to take the leap of faith.

Exercises for Showing Encouragement

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing encouragement:

• Begin by thinking about a time when you felt encouraged. Write down the details of the situation, including what was said or done to make you feel that way.
• Imagine a character who is facing a difficult challenge or obstacle. Write a scene where another character provides encouragement. Think about what words or actions would be most effective in this situation.
• Write a short story where the main character is struggling with self-doubt or a lack of motivation. Include a secondary character who provides encouragement in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
• Create a character who is naturally encouraging. Write a scene where this character interacts with someone who is feeling down or defeated. Consider how the encouraging character's personality and communication style can influence the other character's mood and behavior.

Want more help with showing emotion instead of telling? You find more help in our full set of emotions.