The Power of Intention: Why What You Mean Matters More Than What You Say

emmajobray
Jul 29
3 min read

Have you ever had someone say something technically “nice” to you, but it left you feeling uneasy? Or heard a few soft words that landed like a warm embrace?

That’s the power of intention. It’s not just what we say, it’s why, how, and who we are when we say it.

What Is Intention?

Intention is the energetic, emotional, and mental drive behind everything you do or say.

It’s the true reason beneath your words. It can be clear and conscious, or buried and unconscious, but either way, people feel it. Your tone, presence, timing, and energy all speak louder than the words themselves.

Words are like arrows. Intention is the hand that pulls the bow.

Words as Spells: A Forgotten Truth

“Words are spells. That’s why it’s called spelling.”

This phrase is more than poetic, it hints at the powerful legacy of language.

Historically, “spelling” doesn’t just mean writing letters in order. In Old English and Middle High German, spell meant to speak aloud, often in ritual or incantation. Language was considered magical, the act of speaking created reality.

In many cultures, to name something was to give it power, and to curse or bless was to literally alter someone’s fate with words.

Even now:

A doctor says, “It’s terminal,” and someone’s entire body chemistry changes.
A loved one whispers, “You’re safe now,” and your nervous system softens.
A teacher mocks a child’s answer, and self-doubt imprints for decades.

We are still casting spells, every time we speak.

So, the question becomes:

What are you spelling into the world? Are your words tools of healing or harm? Connection or control?

The Psychology of Intention

Modern research backs up what ancient wisdom already knew:

People respond more to tone, presence, and energy than actual words.
Subtle, unspoken signals shape how our message is received.
When intention doesn’t match the message (e.g., saying “I’m fine” with tension), it creates dissonance, and often, mistrust.

But what happens when you don’t even realise your intention is misaligned?

Conscious vs. Subconscious Intention

Many people try to speak kindly or wisely, but underneath their words is a reactive, wounded, or defensive state they haven’t fully processed.

Example:

You say, “I just want to help,” But your subconscious intention might be: “I need to feel needed or in control.”

Or:

You say, “I’m fine, really.” But your underlying emotion is abandonment or resentment triggered by something long forgotten.

Tools to Become Aware of Your Intention

Start using these tools to decode your true inner signal before speaking:

1. Pause and Ask: Why am I saying this?

Is this coming from clarity or from reactivity?
Do I want to connect, or am I trying to protect myself?

2. Check your body

Are you tense? Holding your breath? Fidgeting? Your body often tells you the truth before your mind does.

3. Track emotional triggers

If your reaction feels bigger than the moment, there may be a deeper story behind it.

Was your intention hijacked by past pain?
Are you speaking from this moment, or from an old wound?

How RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy) Can Help

When you find yourself saying things you regret, or when your best intentions land the wrong way, it could be that subconscious programming is leading the charge.

RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy) is a powerful therapeutic modality that combines:

Hypnotherapy
Cognitive-behavioural techniques
Neuroscience
Inner child work

RTT helps you:

Uncover the root cause of your reactions and patterns
Rewire beliefs formed in childhood or trauma
Transform subconscious intentions that are misaligned with who you want to be,
instead of constantly correcting your words, you start to change your inner blueprint, so your intention and communication align naturally.

You stop reacting. You start responding, with clarity, confidence, and truth.

Real-World Example: When Intention Hurts (or Heals)

A parent says to a child:

“Is that the best you can do?”

If the intention is belief in their potential, the child may feel motivated. If the intention is shame, disappointment, or control, the child may feel worthless.

Now imagine the parent says:

“I know you’re capable of more, what support would help you get there?”

Same general message. Different intention. Different tone. Radically different result.

Final Thoughts

Your words are powerful.

But your intention, the emotional charge behind the words, is what truly shapes relationships, memories, and moments.

So before you speak, ask:

Am I reacting or responding? Is this coming from love, fear, control, or clarity? Is this intention truly mine, or is it a subconscious wound acting out?

The most powerful communicators don’t just speak well, they speak with aligned intention.

Because when your words and your heart are unified, your voice becomes medicine.