The Art of [Intentional] Communication
- Alison Miller-Chong
- Apr 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 26
Communication has changed. (Hello Captain obvious!) We have changed. (Oh Yeah...but isn't that inevitable?). Thoughts around this topic are often polarizing.
At Plugged-In Consulting, we’ve witnessed a dramatic shift over the past decade in how the multiple generations we work with communicate their thoughts. By 2021, it felt as though effective communication had become a lost art—perhaps permanently. We began to question whether we needed to reset our expectations around the kind of exchange we could hope to receive from these interactions, for better or for worse.
In October 2021, a moment of realization underscored the need to more intentionally unlock our thinking and rebuild connection—revaluting and expanding the very horizon of what communication can be.
Communication involves receiving, understanding and interpreting information-it is dynamic. It requires constant monitoring to quickly understand the underlying intention and percieve the micro (or macro) shifts in understanding.
Intentional communication is a set of tools that can be drawn upon that spark a sense of creativity and can help to break out from the logical-rational approaches many often default to.
Intentionally communicating presents a buffet of opportunities to create shared understanding in a room and move leaders, groups and teams where they want to be- more effectively and efficiently.
Enhance Communication Through Non-Verbal Interactions
Words alone can limit communication. Shifting full focus from verbal interactions only and incorporating non-verbal comms oportunities can foster richer and more meaningful connections.
Create Deliberate Time for Reflection
Allocate, and honour, time for reflection to engage with thoughts, insights and new perspectives.
Incorporate Creativity into your Delivery style
Use creative elements to add meaning, enhancing interactions on any platform or in any setting.
Design Thoughtful Spaces
Design interaction spaces thoughtfully, carefully considering human and non-human elements.
Create a Non-Judgmental Environment
Foster a non-judgmental environment by establishing a community agreement from the outset of gatherings and engagements.
Embrace a "Yes-and" Mindset
Adopt a "yes-and" mindset to build on ideas collaboratively and ignite a design thinking frame of mind. This is a human-centered, empathetic approach to problem-solving that prioritizes curiosity, collaboration, and rapid experimentation over perfection.
If your organization is ready to elevate communication, ignite leadership at every level, and build a stronger, more connected culture - it's time to Plug-In.
