Speaking With Intention

Speaking with Intention

Anytime you communicate your ideas or area of expertise, you should be clear about the goal you are trying to achieve. You want to ensure your message is purposeful and understood as intended.

Speaking with intention allows you to express thoughts concisely, avoid misunderstandings, and foster more meaningful conversations.

Whether in personal or professional settings, speaking with intention demonstrates thoughtfulness, boosts credibility, and helps you connect with others on a deeper level by aligning your words with your goals and values.As a VIP Communications Pass holder, this article is packed with extra tips and tools to show you how to be a more confident communicator, including videos, downloadable tips, step-by-step instructions, and more! https://vimeo.com/1005545215?share=copy

VIP Communications Pass: Speaking with Intention

 

1. Educate

When you educate others, you should focus on informing them of what is going on, teaching them something, or offering insight about something already on the market.Consider the following:

• Educate - Speaking to educate means delivering information clearly and enhancing someone’s understanding. For example, if you're explaining a new software tool to a colleague, you might say, "This feature allows you to automate repetitive tasks, which will save you time and reduce errors. Here's a step-by-step guide to using it effectively." In this way, you're not just sharing information but structuring it to foster learning and provide actionable insight.
• Updates - Giving an update or sharing what's been going on involves sharing relevant information concisely to keep others informed. For example, in a team meeting, you might say, "Since our last check-in, we've completed the initial market research and are now finalizing the report, which should be ready by Friday. The feedback from stakeholders has been positive so far, and we're on track to meet our deadline." When updates are your intention, it helps others stay updated on progress while highlighting key developments.
• Insights - When sharing insights, you offer thoughtful observations or conclusions to provide a deeper understanding. For example, during a project debrief, you might say, "One key insight from our customer feedback is that they value simplicity over features. This suggests we should focus more on streamlining the user experience in future updates rather than adding new functionalities." This communication helps others see patterns or lessons that can guide decision-making and future actions.

When you make education your intention for speaking, your communications should be about informing others about what is already out there.

 

2. Provoke Thought 

If you intend to provoke thought, your message should offer a new way of thinking. Unlike educating, where you share something already out there, provoking thought involves offering something new.Consider the following:

• Forecasting - Forecasting is predicting something about your industry. You are predicting future outcomes within your industry. For example, in a meeting with your team, you might say, "Based on current market trends and the increasing demand for AI-driven solutions, I expect our industry to see a significant shift toward automation in the next few years. Companies that invest in AI early will likely have a competitive edge as efficiency and personalization become key drivers of customer satisfaction." This type of communication helps prepare others for future opportunities and challenges.
• Trends - Sharing industry trends involves highlighting patterns or shifts shaping what you've seen. For example, you might say during a presentation, "In the last year, we've seen a growing trend toward remote work solutions, with more companies investing in collaboration tools and cybersecurity measures to support distributed teams. This trend will continue as organizations recognize the long-term benefits of flexibility and cost efficiency." Sharing these insights, you help others stay informed and adapt to evolving industry dynamics.
• Forward Thinking - Sharing forward-thinking ideas involves discussing concepts or innovations that haven't yet been realized but could shape the future. For example, in a strategy meeting, you might say, "While we haven't seen fully autonomous retail stores yet, advancements in AI and IoT suggest that it’s only a matter of time before cashier-less, smart stores become mainstream. By investing in AI-driven inventory systems now, we can position ourselves ahead of this emerging trend." This kind of communication encourages others to think beyond the present and prepare for future possibilities.

Thought-provoking messages often take more work to craft. However, once you start leading discussions around the industry, you can begin to stamp yourself as an original thinker.

 

3. Inspire

If inspiration is your intention, you'll want to talk about your work so others feel inspired by who you are and what you've done. Everyone has an inspiring story to share!Consider the following:

• Facing Adversity - Don't underestimate the power of your adversity and turn it into an inspirational message. For example, in a motivational talk, you might say, "When I lost my job two years ago, it felt like a huge setback. But it also pushed me to reevaluate my skills and pursue a passion I had overlooked—starting my own business. That adversity became the catalyst for growth, and today, I’m thriving in a way I never expected. You never know how a challenge might open doors you hadn’t considered." This approach shows others that hardship can lead to positive transformation.
• Challenges -  Sharing how you overcame obstacles can encourage perseverance in others. For example, in a team meeting, you might say, "When our project was delayed last quarter due to unexpected setbacks, it felt overwhelming. However, by staying focused and breaking the problem down into manageable steps, we were able to turn it around and meet our revised deadline. That experience taught me the value of persistence and teamwork, and it reminded me that even in tough situations, solutions are within reach if we stay committed." This shows others that challenges can be opportunities for growth and learning.
• Tough times - Reflecting on your struggles and highlighting the following breakthrough can inspire others. For example, you might say, "A few years ago, I hit a point in my career where I felt completely stuck. No promotions, no new opportunities, and my motivation was at an all-time low. Instead of giving up, I decided to invest in myself—taking online courses and expanding my network. It wasn’t easy, but those small steps eventually led to a leadership role I had been aiming for. Pushing through that tough period taught me perseverance and self-growth can turn any situation around." This kind of story can encourage others to keep going through their challenges.

By conveying genuine passion and vulnerability, you can ignite a spark in others, empowering them to pursue their goals and overcome obstacles.Being intentional can strengthen your messaging and your speaking. You have to be clear about exactly what you're trying to say every time and with everyone.__Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways we can help you:

1. Discover your communications style so you know where to start. Over 4,000 people have found theirs here.
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