noun

The state of being full of life or vigor; liveliness.

they started talking with animation

liveliness,spirit,high spirits,spiritedness,high-spiritedness,energy,enthusiasm,eagerness,excitement,vigour,vivacity,vivaciousness,vitality,vibrancy,exuberance,ebullience,buoyancy,bounciness,bounce,perkiness,sprightliness,verve,zest,sparkle,dash,elan,brio