Workplace communication: using inclusive language
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Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.
- Some job titles, like 'fireman' or 'waitress', are for a specific gender. Can you think of other examples? How could we change these titles so they can be used for anyone?
- Think about a time you joined a new team at work or school. What did people do or say that made you feel welcome and included?
- Why do you think the words we choose are important when we communicate with colleagues from different backgrounds or cultures?
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Making Meetings More Inclusive
Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.
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Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the article.
01According to the article, what is the main purpose of using inclusive language?
Sample answerThe main purpose is to make sure everyone feels included and respected in the workplace.
02What are two specific types of gender-neutral language mentioned in the article?
Sample answerThe article talks about using gender-neutral job titles and using the singular 'they' to refer to a person.
03In what way does using inclusive language help create a sense of 'belonging' for employees?
Sample answerWhen people use language that includes everyone, it shows respect. This makes employees feel more comfortable and accepted as part of the team.
04Why is it especially important to be inclusive during team meetings, according to the ideas in the article?
Sample answerIt's important because meetings are where people share ideas. If not everyone feels included, the team might miss out on good ideas and different points of view.
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Vocabulary
Vocabulary
These expressions will help you communicate more naturally about this topic.
Examples
To speak up — to say what you think about something, especially when it is difficult or you disagree with others.
Usage note: This is often used to encourage people, especially in a group or meeting. For example: 'If you have an idea, please speak up.'
To put yourself in someone else's shoes — to imagine what it is like to be in another person's situation.
Usage note: This idiom is about empathy and understanding different perspectives. It's useful in both formal and informal contexts.
To take something into account — to consider or think about something when you are making a decision or judgment.
Usage note: This is a common phrase in professional and formal communication. You can also say 'take into account that...' followed by a clause.
To raise awareness (of/about something) — to help people know that something exists and is important.
Usage note: This collocation is often used when talking about social issues, campaigns, or problems that need attention, like 'raising awareness of unconscious bias'.
To feel left out — to feel sad and excluded because you are not part of a group or activity.
Usage note: This phrase describes the opposite of feeling a sense of 'belonging'. You can use it to talk about personal feelings in social or work situations.
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Key terms for inclusion
Understanding these words helps us talk about making workplaces fair for everyone.
Match each word with its correct definition.
Drag or click to match
Definitions
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Grammar: Modal verbs for advice and obligation
Grammar
We use modal verbs like 'should', 'must', and 'have to' to talk about rules, obligations, and good ideas. In discussions about diversity and inclusion, they are useful for giving advice or explaining company policies.
Examples
Everyone should try to use gender-neutral job titles like 'firefighter' instead of 'fireman'.
We use 'should' to give advice or say what we think is the right thing to do.
According to the new policy, managers must ensure all team members feel included.
'Must' expresses a strong obligation or a formal rule, often from the speaker's perspective.
We have to update our hiring practices to avoid bias; it's required by law.
'Have to' also expresses a strong obligation, but often because of an external rule or law.
Key points
- Use 'should' for advice and recommendations.
- Use 'must' and 'have to' for strong obligations and rules.
- For something that is not necessary, use 'don't have to'. (e.g., 'You don't have to share your pronouns, but it can be helpful.')
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Find the mistake
Each sentence contains one error. Find and correct it.
01If a new employee joins the team, they needs to feel welcome.
Corrected version
If a new employee joins the team, they needs need to feel welcome.
02Using inclusive language is very importance for a positive workplace.
Corrected version
Using inclusive language is very importance important for a positive workplace.
03The campaign helped to raise awareness for the issue of unconscious bias.
Corrected version
The campaign helped to raise awareness for of the issue of unconscious bias.
04Our manager is committed to foster a culture of respect.
Corrected version
Our manager is committed to foster fostering a culture of respect.
05You must to try to put yourself in your colleague's shoes.
Corrected version
You must to try to put yourself in your colleague's shoes.
06The term 'firefighter' is an gender-neutral job title.
Corrected version
The term 'firefighter' is an a gender-neutral job title.
07Everyone have the right to speak up if they disagree.
Corrected version
Everyone have has the right to speak up if they disagree.
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Useful phrases: making sure everyone is heard in a meeting
Vocabulary
In meetings, it's important to create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. These phrases can help you include quieter colleagues, support others, and encourage different points of view.
Examples
"[Name], we haven't heard from you yet. What are your thoughts?" — use this to politely invite a quiet person to speak.
Register: neutral. Best used in a friendly tone to show you genuinely want their opinion, not to put them under pressure.
"Sorry to interrupt, but I think [Name] wasn't finished with their point." — use this to bring the conversation back to someone who was cut off.
Register: neutral/formal. This is a polite but firm way to manage a conversation and make sure everyone gets to speak.
"That's a great point. To build on that..." — use this to show you agree with and want to add to someone's idea.
Register: neutral. This is a very collaborative phrase that shows you are listening and valuing your colleagues' contributions.
"Does anyone have a different perspective on this?" — use this to encourage diverse opinions without asking for direct disagreement.
Register: neutral/formal. This is more inviting than asking 'Does anyone disagree?' and helps people feel more comfortable sharing an alternative view.
"Thanks for sharing that, [Name]. It gives us something to think about." — use this to acknowledge someone's contribution, especially if you don't agree or need more time to consider it.
Register: neutral. This phrase makes the speaker feel heard and valued, even if their idea isn't used immediately.
"Before we move on, does anyone have anything else to add?" — use this to make a final check for opinions before making a decision.
Register: neutral/formal. This is a good way to close a discussion topic and ensure no one feels like they missed their chance to speak.
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Creating an inclusive workplace
Read the passage about how to make a workplace more welcoming for everyone.
Fill in each blank with the correct phrase from the word bank.
Word bank
Creating a welcoming workplace requires effort from everyone. It's important to when you see something that isn't fair. To build empathy, try to and understand their experiences. When making team decisions, leaders should different communication styles. Company-wide initiatives can help to about the importance of diversity. If we don't do these things, it's easy for colleagues to and become disengaged.
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Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
- In your country, what are some important things to take into account to make sure no one feels left out at work? Think about language, culture, or traditions.
- Some people think that focusing too much on inclusive language is unnecessary and makes communication complicated. Others believe it's crucial to raise awareness about these issues. What is your opinion?
- Imagine you hear a colleague use a word that makes another person feel left out. Is it always a good idea to speak up immediately? Why or why not? What factors should you take into account before deciding what to do?