Which sentence uses the verb "affect" correctly?

The sentence "The changes will affect our productivity" correctly uses the verb "affect" to indicate that the changes will have an influence on productivity. In this context, "affect" serves as a transitive verb that indicates how one thing can change or impact another, which aligns perfectly with its definition.

In contrast, other sentences use "affect" in ways that may lead to confusion. For example, in "He affected the audience with his speech," the verb implies that he had an emotional or psychological impact on the audience, suggesting a more nuanced usage of the term that is less commonly accepted. The sentence "They were affecting the decision last minute" incorrectly implies an ongoing process without clearly establishing how it differs from the correct usage of "influence." Finally, in "She tried to affect her coworker's mind," while it uses "affect" in a verbal form, the more appropriate term in this context would be "influence," as it better captures the intent of trying to change someone's thinking or behavior. Thus, "The changes will affect our productivity" stands out as the most straightforward and accurate usage of the verb "affect."