Title: How Inclusive Language Improves Corporate Communications
1How Inclusive Language Improves Corporate
Communications
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2 When it comes to inclusivity, every action
counts. Diversity and equality should not be
recognised or celebrated on specific days of the
year. Instead, it should be prioritised and
acknowledged in everything we do every
day. Words have the power to shape beliefs,
values, and actions. They can act as the tools
that sculpt the very foundations communities
build from. Written content, therefore, needs to
be created with inclusivity in mind to ensure no
further barriers are erected. Rather, written
content needs to face the barrier and break
it. We should carefully select every paragraph,
phrase, and word with inclusivity to truly embody
the promise of diversity. It means considering
the needs of people with different disabilities,
backgrounds, and experiences. Inclusive writing
means creating content that everyone can enjoy,
relate to, and benefit from. By taking these
steps, you can ensure that your content is truly
inclusive and thats something everyone can
celebrate.
3What Does Inclusive Language Entail?
- Inclusive language refers to the words and
phrases you use that avoid biases, derogatory
slang, and expressions that could discriminate
against groups of people based on gender, race,
socioeconomic status, and ability.
4By using inclusive language, we can create a more
equitable and just world for everyone. When we
use language inclusive of all groups of people,
we send a powerful message that everyone is
welcome and valued. Inclusive language also
helps build community and understanding among
diverse people. What Does Inclusive Language
Entail? Inclusive language refers to the words
and phrases you use that avoid biases, derogatory
slang, and expressions that could discriminate
against groups of people based on gender, race,
socioeconomic status, and ability. By using
inclusive language, we can create a more
equitable and just world for everyone. When we
use language inclusive of all groups of people,
we send a powerful message that everyone is
welcome and valued. Inclusive language also
helps build community and understanding among
diverse people.
5Why Write for Inclusivity?
- According to a study done by global
management consulting firm, McKinsey Company,
Companies in the top quartile for racial and
ethnic diversity are 35 percent more likely to
have financial returns above their respective
national industry medians. Furthermore, Those
in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15
percent more likely to have financial returns
above their respective national industry
medians. - Its evident that organisations that value
diversity realise not only moral but also
monetary benefits. - From a business standpoint, it simply makes
sense to create an inclusive environment. By
doing so, you grow your audience because more
people have access to your products and feel
welcomed by your brand, and you lose fewer people
to competitors who do a better job of showing
they care. Valuing diversity is not just the
right thing to do morally, but its also good for
business.
6Inclusive Environment
- Creating an inclusive environment helps
businesses retain customers. Thats because
people are less likely to switch to a competitor
if they feel valued and included. In todays
increasingly diverse and competitive marketplace,
businesses that create an inclusive environment
will be the ones that succeed. - But inclusivity, diversity, and equality
uplift society holistically, not just in the
business world. This starts with ensuring
everyone has an equal opportunity to participate
and succeed. It means being honest about
marginalised groups challenges and taking active
steps to address them. It means promoting
diversity in all aspects of life, from the
workplace to the classroom to social
interactions. And it means recognising and
challenging microaggressions the subtle
everyday forms of discrimination that can add up
to create a feeling of exclusion.
7 - By taking these steps, we can create a more
inclusive world for everyone.
8How to Use Inclusive Language and Write for
Inclusivity
- 1. Avoid Jargon
- In todays increasingly connected world, its
more important than ever to be aware of the
potential for cultural misunderstandings. Whether
working with colleagues in other countries or
interacting with customers from different
cultures, its important to be aware of the
potential for linguistic and cultural barriers. - For example, common expressions in one
country may be offensive in another. Even simple
gestures can have different meanings in different
cultures. To avoid misunderstandings, take the
time to learn about the cultures of your global
colleagues and customers. - Good, inclusive writing is clear, concise, and
easy to understand. It uses short, simple words
and sentences and eliminates jargon. When writing
for a general audience, use plain language to
clarify your message. Avoid long, complicated
words and sentence constructions. Use active
voice and specific, concrete words. Plain
language is direct and makes the text easy to
read and understand.
9 - 2. Consider Your Pronoun Choices When
Focusing on Inclusive Language - The use of gender-neutral pronouns is a
growing trend and one that is gaining increasing
acceptance in both written and spoken language.
When relevant, using they as a singular pronoun
can help to avoid making assumptions about
someones gender and make content relatable to a
broader audience. - 3. Rethink Your Ideal Reader Persona
- When developing your buyer personas, take the
path less travelled. Ditch following only the
traditional criteria, like demographics. Start
tapping into the nature of your ideal customer
instead. Consider their emotional responses,
their background, past experiences, and hobbies.
By taking the time to understand your customer on
a deeper level, youll be able to develop more
targeted and effective marketing campaigns that
resonate with them personally. Additionally,
youll be better equipped to anticipate their
needs and address any pain points they may have.
As a result, youll be able to build stronger
relationships with your customers and turn them
into lifelong fans of your brand.
10- 4. Be Mindful of Your Unconscious Bias
- We all have biases that we are not even aware
of. If left unchecked, unconscious bias can lead
to discrimination, even in written content. The
first step in mitigating the effects of
unconscious bias is to simply be aware of its
existence. Once we are conscious of our own
biases, we can begin to take steps to reduce
their impact. - Go through your copy and read it from a
different perspective. If you pick up that some
of your writing could be interpreted as biased,
change it. - 5. Double-Check for Problematic Words or
Language - Despite our best efforts, it can be difficult
to avoid using discriminatory language. Even
common terms people commonly use and widely
accept originated from discriminatory or racist
terms. Always double-check your content before
sending it off to be published to ensure it
contains only that which is inclusive.
11 - Crafting content that incorporates inclusive
language holds myriad benefits. From uplifting
businesses and creating sustainable, diverse
communities to cultivating a better world,
inclusivity is inclined to reap positive
outcomes. Get in touch with Goodman Lantern to
ensure all your content contributes to a diverse
and inclusive world.
12THANKYOU!
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