5 Simple Ways to Make your English more Inclusive

Why investing in communication, is investing in inclusion.

The subtitle of this piece may surprise or intrigue people, but I hope by the end of this piece, you will see the link between communication and inclusion, feel the impact of that link, and be inspired to act. But first, let me unpack the concept of “inclusion” somewhat.

Inclusion is a big word. It means many things to many people. For me, many words are most simply understood by examining them in relation to their antonym. In this case, the opposite of inclusion is, unsurprisingly: exclusion.

You might or might not be surprised to hear that non-native English speakers are often excluded from situations, conversations and decisions. A lack of command, ability to influence or articulate their ideas often results in their input being dismissed. This has far-reaching implications. Not only is there a psychological and emotional toll on the individual, but the team or organisation loses out on diversity of ideas, divergent thinking and the innovation it needs to gain competitive edge in the market.

The communication of native-English speakers, too can be prohibitive. Idiomatic expressions, high-speed, colloquialisms – the list goes on. How we speak is considerate of others or not. There is no middle ground: you cannot be ‘kind of’ inclusive. How we speak is either inclusive or exclusive. Communication matters.

Communication is a two way street. As much as it is the non-native English speakers role to improve their language skills to work in an international context, it is equally the role of native-speakers to make adjustments to their communication, to ensure linguistic inclusivity. - Jen Martin

Here are five simple adjustments to start making today:

1. Awareness

The first adjustment is within yourself – the simple act of being aware of who is in the room, what their linguistic or communication needs might be, and how you can adapt to accommodate those needs.

2. Asking Questions

We often speak in long sentences or for lengthy stretches which may be difficult to follow. By punctuating your speech with questions, you give people the opportunity to get more information, to clarify any misunderstandings and to follow. While the questions may be directive, rhetorical questions are a non-intrusive way to give an opportunity to speak up if it is needed. Remember, it’s harder for someone to interrupt you mid-monologue, than it is to respond to an open question to the group.

3. Pausing.

Oh the pause. The simplest and perhaps most effective accommodation of all. Following on from the last point, giving your listeners a moments “breathing space” can make all the difference to a non-native English speaker who might be struggling to follow a long or complicated point. Punctuate with pausing. (It also makes you a better speaker too – think of Obama, the king of pausing!)

4. Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is a crucial way to be considerate of the non-native speakers present. Paraphrasing is best coupled with awareness; look around the room, does everyone understand you? Is everyone following? Does anyone seem to be struggling to catch your point? Does anyone show strain or stress? As speakers, it is our job to constantly scan the room – if you don’t, you may fail to see who does not understand, inhibit inclusion. Not to mention the fact that your message is “falling on deaf ears” and may not be heard. If in doubt, say it again in another way.

5. Explicit Structure

Last but not least, be explicit about your structure. What does that mean? In simple terms, use linking words. This is such a simple way to help your listeners follow you. Firstly, secondly, thirdly, most importantly, critically, lastly, above all... the list is endless. While your non-native speaker may not fully understand each point or argument, linking expressions go a long way in helping them to follow along. Inclusive communication in action.

And there it is. 5 simple adjustments that will start to make your communication more inclusive.

In their recent advertisements promoting inclusion practices, RBC states:

“When we change the dialogue, we can change the world.”

— Royal Bank of Canada

This sentence captures the very essence of linguistic inclusion – at its very core, when everyone at the table can understand the dialogue, everyone can participate, contribute and innovate together.

Invest in communication, invest in inclusion.