Which term refers to the act of influencing or exercising power over intellect and emotion?

The term that correctly refers to the act of influencing or exercising power over intellect and emotion is persuasion. Persuasion involves convincing someone to adopt a specific belief or take an action by appealing to their reasoning or emotions. It often encompasses techniques that engage and resonate with the audience's feelings and thoughts.

Inspiration, while related to influencing, typically refers to the process of uplifting someone to create or think differently rather than directly influencing their decision-making. Motivation relates more closely to the internal drive that compels someone to act toward a goal, focusing on encouraging and energizing rather than persuading. Intimidation involves using fear or threats to control someone’s actions or decisions, which is fundamentally different from the subtlety and engagement involved in persuasion.