The art of intentional communication

This blog solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the views of Deloitte.

What is intentional communication?

Intentional communication goes beyond simply transmitting information. It is a deliberate and purposeful act aimed at conveying a message with clarity and impact. It begins with defining a clear objective and understanding the audience you intend to reach. This strategic approach ensures that every interaction serves a specific purpose, whether it is informing, persuading, inspiring, or connecting on a deeper level.

During college, I encountered challenges in group projects because I hesitated to express my ideas, fearing they might not be understood by my teammates. I also noticed instances where my contributions did not resonate effectively within my social circle. It was during this time that I discovered the concept of intentional communication. Since then, I have actively worked to refine my communication skills, leading to significant improvements in how my messages are received and understood.

Benefits of intentional communication

Since incorporating intentional communication into my interactions, I have experienced several significant benefits:

Clarity

Intentional communication ensures that my message is clear and concise. By defining my message’s objectives and tailoring it to my audience, I eliminate uncertainty and promote a common understanding.

Enhanced collaboration

It cultivates a collaborative environment among team members by ensuring everyone is informed and aligned with project goals. This clarity enables better synergy, where team members contribute ideas more effectively, resulting in innovative solutions and increased productivity.

Improved morale and trust

It builds trust and boost morale within teams. When people feel heard and understood, it enhances their confidence in leadership and strengthens interpersonal relationships. Transparent communication about decisions and challenges creates an environment of trust and openness.

How to improve intentional communication

Improving intentional communication is an ongoing process that involves applying it in your everyday interactions to master this skill. Here are some practical tips to help you along the way:

1. Define your purpose

Begin by clearly understanding the objective of your message and who your audience is.
Example: Lily and Max have a school assignment to create a presentation about their favourite animal. They start by understanding that they need to research and present information to their classmates and teacher.

2. Plan your message

Organise your thoughts and structure your message for clarity and impact.
Example: Lily and Max brainstorm together and create a plan. They decide to include sections about the animal’s habitat, diet, interesting facts, and why it's their favorite. They organise their ideas neatly in a list.

3. Choose the right medium

Select the most effective communication method for your message.
Example: Lily suggests they make a slideshow presentation with pictures and information. Max agrees and suggests they also bring in a small model of the animal to show to the class.

4. Seek feedback

Encourage and be open to feedback to ensure your message is interpreted as intended.
Example: Before their presentation, Lily and Max practice in front of their parents. They ask for feedback on how they can improve, like speaking clearly and adding more details about the animal.

Intentional communication has been instrumental in my journey towards achieving specific goals and nurturing effective relationships. It has empowered me to ensure clarity, reduce misunderstandings, and build trust across various aspects of my life.

By consistently defining my purpose and tailoring my messages to different audiences, I have refined the ability to convey ideas and intentions more precisely. This precision has not only facilitated task accomplishment and informed decision-making but has also promoted enhanced collaboration within my teams.

I encourage everyone to reflect on their own communication practices and consider integrating intentionality into their interactions. With practice, each of us can become more effective and purposeful communicators, capable of making a positive impact in our communities and beyond.