Perhaps it is better not to speculate upon what emotional responses you might have, true. Your focus is much better when directed to the cause at hand, much like you said -- making that statement.

[His own voice rises, but only a little. Chilton comes in strongly, if gently, reassuring and enabling with bold consonants and careful, silken vowels. He wields a tone intended to banish whatever doubts might fester within that noteworthy mind of Peter's. Safe, cogent, forceful -- that was the brand of support that Chilton thought Peter required.]

They need to listen to you. Their survival might depend upon it.