The Inclusive Language Handbook

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.

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.