The Inclusive Language Handbook: A Guide to Better Communication and Transformational Leadership

by Jackie Ferguson, Roxanne Bellamy

Overview

Have you ever felt excluded, offended, or misunderstood because of a word or a phrase that someone used? Ever felt uncomfortable-or at a loss for what to say-when talking about some aspect of personal identity? If so, you're not alone. Thoughtfully chosen words can be powerful relationship builders, while ill-chosen or unthinking comments can alienate and offend. In the workplace specifically, repeating harmful language over time creates a toxic company culture, high employee turnover, and a damaged reputation.

The Inclusive Language Handbook: A Guide to Better Communication and Transformational Leadership by Jackie Ferguson and Roxanne Bellamy is designed to help you get comfortable discussing all aspects of human diversity and identity. The authors demonstrate how to consistently use respectful language that promotes inclusion, productivity, and teamwork. You'll discover professional best practices for choosing words that help every individual feel valued, supported, and motivated.You'll also learn how to drive positive culture change by spreading the practice of inclusive language throughout your community and organization.

No matter who you are or the work you do, your word choice matters. The Inclusive Language Handbook is a powerful tool in navigating this critical journey toward better organizations, communities, families, and societies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780578291611
Publisher:	The Diversity Movement
Publication date:	05/18/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	100
File size:	438 KB

About the Author

Jackie Ferguson is Head of Content & Programming and co-founder of The Diversity Movement. Known globally for its groundbreaking diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming that drives real-world business results, the company was named to Inc. Magazine's 2021 Best in Business List in DE&I Advocacy. MicroVideos by The Diversity Movement was honored by Fast Company as a 2022 "World Changing Idea." Ferguson, a Certified Diversity Expert (CDE), oversees a team of writers, editors, and visual storytellers that create industry-leading content, as well as world-class educational and digital learning resources. A noted writer and subject matter expert, Ferguson hosts Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox, a podcast in the top 5% of podcasts downloaded globally. She is a member of the Forbes Business Council, National Diversity Council, and has published in Forbes, Almanac, and other publications. Ferguson is an in-demand keynote speaker on diversity and belonging topics. She is an alumna of the University of South Florida and lives in North Carolina with her husband and daughter.
Roxanne Bellamy, CDE, is Managing Editor at The Diversity Movement, ensuring that the company's world-class content is accurate, actionable, and trustworthy. She believes words shape reality. A writer's job, especially regarding DEI, is to put the best words in the best order to shape the best reality. A recognized thought leader, Bellamy's work centers on contributing with integrity to the ever-evolving conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion and workplace culture. A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and Cambridge University, Bellamy studied English, linguistics, and anthropology. In her earlier career, she worked as a writer across several industries, including retail, manufacturing, craft beer, education, and hospitality. Bellamy is also a mother, wife, sister, daughter, and athlete.

Table of Contents

What This Book Teaches

What's in a Word?

INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE: AN INTRODUCTION

What Is Inclusive Language and Why Does It Matter?

The Challenge: Integrating Inclusion with Diversity and Equity

The Solution: Putting Inclusive Language into Practice

By the Numbers: What Workers Are Experiencing

Where Is Your Company Today?

Workbook Exercises

YOUR WORD-BY-WORD PRACTICAL TUTORIAL

Getting Started

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Six Guidelines for Inclusive Language

What to Say When You Don't Know What to Say

Seven Categories of Individual Identity

1.                      Gender Identity, Sex, and Sexuality

2.                      Disability and Invisible Illness

3.                      Mental, Emotional, and Cognitive Diversity

4.                      Physicality

5.                      Cultural Diversity: Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality

6.                      Religion

7.                      Acquired Diversity

SPECIFIC INDUSTRY GUIDANCE

Healthcare

Real Estate

Government and Public Services

Education

Financial and Insurance Services

Retail

Manufacturing

Service and Hospitality

Technology

REVIEW, REFLECTION, AND NEXT STEPS

Final Handbook Exercises

Personal Reflection

Closing Thoughts

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Key Terms

Works Referenced

Acknowledgments

About the Authors