Intent vs Impact Reflection Worksheet

Scenario Analysis (Group Activity)

Refer to your Intent vs Impact Scenario Cards and discuss in your group. Record your responses below.

1. Scenario Summary:
   Describe the key details of the scenario your group analyzed.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What was the speaker’s intent?
   (What did they mean to communicate?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What was the actual impact on the listener?
   (How did the listener receive or feel about the message?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. How could the speaker have improved the impact?
   (What changes could reduce misunderstandings?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

Individual Reflection

5. Describe a time when your intent differed from the impact.
   (What happened? How did you realize the gap?)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. What did you learn from this experience?
   (What insight will help you next time?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. What strategies can you use in the future to check your impact before speaking? List two.

   1. ________________________________________________________
      
      
      
      
      
      
   2. ________________________________________________________
      
      
      
      
      
      

8. Complete the reflection using the sentence starter below:
   “I intended to ______________, but the impact was ______________. In the future, I will ______________.”
   
   
   
   
   
   

Tip: Review the Inclusive Norms Anchor Chart for ideas on respectful communication and perspective-taking.

Intent vs Impact Scenario Cards

Distribute these scenario cards to groups. For each, discuss:

• What was the speaker’s intent?
• What was the actual impact?
• How could the impact have been improved?

Scenario 1:
Lucy texts her friend: “Nice outfit—did you raid your mom’s closet today?”

Scenario 2:
In class, Tom answers the teacher’s question and says, “Finally, someone who got it right,” in front of Sarah and other classmates.

Scenario 3:
Jenna shares a meme in the group chat stereotyping boys as lazy when it’s time to study for a big test.

Scenario 4:
During a group project, Miguel tells Sara, “You probably didn’t know this, so let me show you how it’s done.”

Scenario 5:
Emily tells her friend, “You’re so brave for wearing such a bright color,” after noticing her new outfit.

Scenario 6:
At soccer practice, Jake motivates the team by saying, “Let’s not play like girls today.”

Inclusive Norms Anchor Chart

Use these shared agreements to guide our conversations and interactions. Refer back to them throughout our lessons to build a respectful, empathetic classroom community.

1. Listen Actively
• Give full attention to the speaker.
• Pause your own thoughts and respond thoughtfully.

2. Assume Positive Intent
• Believe others mean well, even if the impact differs.
• Seek clarification before judging.

3. Acknowledge Impact
• Pay attention to how your words affect others.
• Be willing to apologize and adjust when needed.

4. Speak Respectfully
• Use kind, inclusive language.
• Avoid sarcasm, put-downs, or stereotypes.

5. Respect Differences
• Honor diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Celebrate individual experiences and voices.

6. Invite Perspectives
• Ask open-ended questions (e.g., “How did that feel for you?”).
• Encourage quieter classmates to share.

7. Check for Understanding
• Paraphrase or ask “Did I get that right?”
• Clarify misunderstandings immediately.

8. Support Growth
• Offer constructive feedback, not criticism.
• Recognize effort and positive changes.

“When we focus on both our intent and our impact, we create a classroom where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.”