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Inclusive Language

Language is a powerful tool. It connects us, instructs us, and can divide us. Please follow these guidelines for creating an inclusive, welcoming environment.

Distance conveys a degree of anonymity, and as a result, many people feel less inhibited in online situations than in their everyday lives. This lessening of inhibitions sometimes leads people to drop their normal standards of decorum when communicating online. Become familiar with the following guidelines regarding online discussions, MS Teams chats, and email messages.

FigJam’s, Slack, MS Teams Chat, and Email

  • Be open to being challenged on your ideas. Challenge others with the intent of facilitating growth. Do not embarrass, degrade, or humiliate others. Never make insulting or abusive comments toward another person. It is okay to disagree with ideas, but do not make personal attacks.
  • Inappropriate and/or offensive language, especially comments that might be construed as racist or sexist, are unacceptable and will be dealt with individually.
  • Be careful with humor and sarcasm. One person’s humorous comment can be another person’s boorish or degrading remark.
  • Do not use all caps in an online environment. Using all caps is considered SHOUTING.
  • Use proper spelling, capitalization, grammar, usage, and punctuation. Utilize the Spell Check feature.
  • Remember that other people are reading your postings, so treat everyone with respect. Don’t post anything you wouldn’t be willing to communicate face to face.
  • If you find something on the discussion board that is upsetting or unacceptable, make sure to let me know about it as soon as possible.

Six Inclusive Language Principles

  1. Put people first. Instead of saying “a blind man” or a “female programmer” use a “man who is blind” or “a woman on our development team.”
  2. Avoid idioms, jargon, and acronyms.
  3. Avoid phrases that suggest victimhood.
  4. Don’t underplay the impact of mental disabilities. Avoid derogatory terms that stem from mental health; “crazy”, “mad”, or “psycho”.
  5. “Guys” is not gender neutral. I’m working on this myself — it takes practice!
  6. If you aren’t sure, ask! And let me know if I can improve my own language.

More info at: An Incomplete Guide to Inclusive Language for Startups and Tech