How Inclusive Language Improves Corporate Communications
                     How Inclusive Language 
Improves Corporate 
Communications
https://goodmanlantern.com/
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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 that’s something everyone can celebrate. 2
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. 
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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.
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.
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Why 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.” 
    It’s 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 it’s also good for 
business. 
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Inclusive Environment
   Creating an inclusive environment helps businesses retain customers. That’s 
because people are less likely to switch to a competitor if they feel valued and 
included. In today’s 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. 
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By taking these steps, 
we can create a more 
inclusive world for 
everyone.
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How to Use Inclusive Language and Write 
for Inclusivity
    1. Avoid Jargon
    In today’s increasingly connected world, it’s 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, 
it’s 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. 
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    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 
someone’s 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, you’ll be able to develop more targeted and effective 
marketing campaigns that resonate with them personally. Additionally, you’ll be 
better equipped to anticipate their needs and address any pain points they may 
have. As a result, you’ll be able to build stronger relationships with your customers 
and turn them into lifelong fans of your brand. 9
    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.  10
 
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.  11
THANK
YOU!
Goodman 
Lantern
Phone: Email: Website:
+1 9292993999 [email protected] https://goodmanlantern.c
om om/
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