The Goal of Communication is Influence

All communication is an attempt to influence. However veiled the motive, the structure of the act does not waver: one mind addresses another in order to produce an effect. It may seek to persuade, to amuse, to reassure, to instruct, to confess, or to provoke—but always it seeks to act upon the other. There is no neutral speech. There is only influence, whether admitted or denied.

Some appeal to exceptions – “mere expression,” “harmless observation.” These are evasions. The man who vents wants understanding. The one who states a fact does so in an effort to steer attention. Influence may be hidden beneath self-disclosure or disguised as candour, but it remains the operative force. To speak is to aim. Where there is communication, there is intent to affect a change.