What inclusive language looks like for modern speechwriters

Inclusive language, for speechwriters, is more of an ethos than a box that must be checked. It’s the product of taking your audience seriously, attempting to reflect their different backgrounds and stories with honesty and respect.

It’s also what happens when you successfully build community, or as Michael Franklin puts it, “a sense of belonging.” Franklin is co-founder of Speechwriters of Color, an organization seeking to improve representation and reach for diverse communicators, and will lead a session on inclusive language in speechwriting at Ragan’s Speechwriting and Public Affairs Virtual Conference March 4.

Inclusive language today

Michael Franklin

Language that isn’t inclusive can feel harmless, or even have strong historic ties. However, these phrases fail to meet the demands of a modern audience with more sophisticated ideas about gender identity and ethnic background.