Using Inclusive Language: Six Simple Tips

Inclusive language makes your content more accessible, attracting more audience to it. Accessibility matters to everyone, not only to people with disabilities. Non-native speakers, people with limited literacy, or simply individuals using a smartphone with one hand or reading in a noisy environment – all these categories are likely to benefit from accessible content. It means that inclusive language is worth implementing from all standpoints.

Explore several recommendations on how to increase the accessibility of your content.

Keep it simple and clear

Stick to straightforward formulations that are easy to grasp, regardless of the person’s background, education, or language proficiency. A simple test is asking yourself: would your 15-year-old nephew understand your text?

Consider the two phrases:

"Leverage synergies to optimize operational efficiencies."

This sentence builds up complex words and can confuse readers.

"Work together to improve how we operate."

This sentence is easier for a broader audience to understand.

Refrain from slang and internal jargon

Avoid informal or trendy language, as well as company-specific terminology that might confuse or ward off your audience.

For instance, the phrase “This new feature is lit” would hardly be understood by non-native speakers or the older generation. You can replace it with a more universal alternative: “This new feature is impressive.”

An example of the internal jargon is “KPIs” or numerous other acronyms commonly used within teams. Spell them out as “Key Performance Indicators” to resonate with the external audience.

Don’t rely exclusively on visuals

Although visual elements reinforce your messages, ensure your ideas are clear without images. Otherwise, you may lose the community with visual impairments or those using screen readers.

For instance, if your page displays a button labeled "Buy Now" without accompanying text, a screen reader may not interpret the image. Therefore, people utilizing these devices would miss the opportunity.

On the other hand, you can include descriptive text like "Click here to buy now" beside the visual element. This would explain the required action to those who don’t recognize the graphic.

Use inclusive words

Select the words that wouldn’t disregard or offend people based on age, gender, race, physical condition, or other characteristics.

• Chairman vs. chairperson;
• Handicapped vs. person with a disability;
• Mute vs. non-verbal person;
• Mankind vs. humankind, people;
• Elderly vs. older adult, senior;
• Minorities vs. underrepresented groups.

Provide transcripts for video and audio

Just like explaining pictures with the accompanying text, offer written versions of spoken or video content, ensuring accessibility for people unable to interpret these types of information.

For instance, you can place a full narration transcript under the video or as a downloadable file.

Employ direct calls to action

Make sure you provide clear instructions on what a user should do to attain a specific result.

Here’s a clear and direct example:

“Contact KLS right now by selecting the link at the bottom of the page to make your content more accessible!”