Speak with Purpose: Harnessing the Power of Intent in Communication

“Intention is a force in nature. Intention is what creates our reality.” Deepak Chopra

Just as a plant grows effortlessly, business success stems from clear intention. While we must plan, it’s our focused intention, not a fixation on outcomes, that naturally shapes results.

While there's nothing inherently wrong with having a desired outcome, when it comes to effective communication - particularly public speaking - there's an often-overlooked element that can transform our message and how it's received: intent.

Shifting focus from outcomes to intent

Most of us approach speaking with a clear picture of the outcome we want: to persuade, inform, entertain, or motivate. And this is great. But it is only one side of the coin.

Focusing solely on the outcome can make our communication mechanical. We become so preoccupied with what we want from the audience that we neglect how we want to “show up” in the moment.

Intent is the way you consciously choose to be...

It's not about manipulating the audience or making every word land perfectly.

It is about adopting an attitude of mind that frames everything you say and do. Intent, like a business’s mission, drives behaviours, sets a tone, and connects you more deeply with your audience.

On my Leader Speaker residential retreats, I get individuals to play with the impact of intent using this silly exercise. I dare you to give it a go!

First, read this tongue twister aloud, just as you would ordinarily.

Then, take a moment to reset and read it aloud again, but this time imagine you are reading it to a group of four-year-old children. Keep in mind the group of four-year-olds.

Here’s the tongue twister:

Mr. Chops, the butcher, shuts his shop-shutter,?

Or perhaps his assistant shuts his shop-shutter.?

The butcher’s shop-shutter is a short shop-shutter,?

And the butcher’s short shop-shutter should shut sharply.

There was a difference in the shape of your vocal tone, pace, and energy.

Your subconscious intent drives the difference...

When you read to "children", you probably slowed down, used more exaggerated facial expressions, and injected warmth or playfulness into your voice, without me telling you. Without you telling yourself - subconscious intent - your desire to engage and delight "the children" - changed everything about how you spoke.

Most of the time we go about life and communication unconsciously; I'm challenging you to intentionally show up (when public speaking) in a way you want.

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Owning your intent

To make the best use of intent, you need to clearly define it before you speak. It’s like deciding how you want to show up at the office each day - focused, approachable, creative, or empathic.

The key? Intent is always simple, direct, and yours. I get the leaders on my retreat to apply these three measures of success: I call them the 3 Ms of intent:

1. Memorable: Your intent should be short, ideally no more than three words. Simple enough that you won’t forget them when you step on stage, into the meeting or begin speaking.
2. Motivational: It should inspire you to show up in a way that aligns with your values, and how you want to be seen (for that talk. presentation or meeting).
3. Mine: It must resonate personally with you, not be borrowed or suggested by another (aka me). Otherwise, you risk becoming an act, and audiences can sense that.

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The call-to-action and intent alignment

Embracing intent does not mean disregarding your desired outcome. If we think of intent as a foundation, the call to action is what you build on top of that foundation.

They work hand-in-hand. For instance, if your intent is to inspire confidence in a team, the call to action might be for them to adopt a new initiative confidently.

A simple framework to keep in mind involves focusing on two columns (see above image): one is your intent (how you want to show up), and the other is your call-to-action (what you want your audience to think, do or feel afterwards). The behaviours you adopt because of your intent lead directly to the responses you elicit from your audience. It’s a conscious approach that makes your delivery purposefully impactful.

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Use intent in everyday scenarios

The power of intent is not limited to grand speeches or formal presentations. It applies to any situation where you communicate - team meetings, one-on-ones, impromptu moments, or even difficult conversations.

Every interaction becomes an opportunity to be consciously intentional. Ask yourself before you begin: How do I want to show up? This question alone can help steer you towards being a more authentic and impactful leader.

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The Journey to Impactful Speaking

Being a leader who speaks with presence is about more than delivering perfect lines or achieving outcomes. It’s about creating a genuine connection with those listening.

Intent is the hidden force that helps you do that. It should consciously drive how you stand, speak, and interact, and most importantly, it influences how people perceive you.

Take a moment before your next speaking opportunity to decide on your intent. Keep it simple, make it motivating, and ensure it’s entirely yours.

With a clear intent, your words will resonate, and your presence will be remembered - outcomes will follow, naturally and powerfully.