Third Year Communication Sciences University of Mohamed Seddik Ben Yahia, Jijel Teacher: MANSOUR A.
Lecture two: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Communication
The role and responsibility of DEI communication strategy is two-
fold:
To give each individual and diverse group a voice and sense of
belonging.
To inform, educate, and support all interlocutors to adopt inclusive
attitudes in every aspect of their working lives.
1-Diversity in communication
Diversity, in general, is the state of having people of different characteristics in a
group or organization. These characteristics or dimensions of diversity include,
among others:
2- Equity in communication
Equity should not be confused with equality.
Equality is giving each member of the group the same resources, regardless of
their actual needs or opportunities. Equity, on the other hand, recognizes that
each member of the group has different circumstances and needs, and that they,
therefore, need different resources and opportunities in order to thrive.
In sum, equity means that every person should be given an equal chance (not
the same resources) to succeed.
Communication should be equity-based, meaning that all the interlocutors should be
given equal opportunities to participate in conversations, regardless of their
dimensions of diversity.
If your coworker is hard of hearing, you should not schedule an audio call
with him/her. Instead, opt for a 1-on-1 meeting or a video call, but only after
asking your coworker for his/her preferences.
3- Inclusion in communication
Inclusive communication, in its purest sense, appropriately
addresses as many people as possible in the interaction. It
invites all people to feel seen, heard, valued, and respected.
Inclusive communication is not just the words we use, but also
how we communicate in our body language and actions. It also
requires cultural humility — a lifelong commitment to learning
about diverse communities, power dynamics and imbalances,
and self-evaluating our cultural gaps.” Sacha Thompson
Inclusive communication does not exclude or discriminate against
anyone, either intentionally or unintentionally.
By making your communication as inclusive as possible, you will
help to ensure that the information that you are sharing is
accessible for all.
4- How to promote inclusive communication
A- Awareness
The first step to promoting inclusion through communication is to be aware
of where there might be barriers in the first place.
B-Consider Your Audience
We all adapt our communication style and methods depending on who we are
communicating with, and our relationship to them. Think of a simple greeting.
The words, tone and any accompanying gesture you use will differ wildly
when greeting your boss, a new client, your sibling or your best friend.
C- Inclusive Language
Use inclusive language means avoiding any terms that
could reinforce stereotypes, or unintentionally discriminate.
It is also language that does not deliberately or
inadvertently exclude people from being seen as part of a
group.
Inclusive Language
Avoid gendered language
5- Neurodiversity and Communication
It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent. This means that their
brains process and interpret information differently to the majority of the
population.
Each autistic person, for example, will have different
communication differences and experience different strengths and
challenges. This means that any adjustments to communication
should be based on that individual’s particular needs.
o u r Be clear and concise in what you communicate; break instructions
y
a ke i ve into chunks.
m l u s
n c
y ou o re i
ts? Avoid metaphor, sarcasm or idiom – such as ‘let’s smash this’ or
do m ta n
n s ra c
o w ti o n te
H n i ca en ti ‘you’re a star’. Some neurodivergent individuals interpret
m u erg
co m i v language very literally.
u r od
ne
fo r Adjust your expectations regarding the meaning behind some non-
verbal communication – don’t be offended if a handshake is not
offered, or eye contact is inconsistent.
Do not ask ‘open’ questions – for some neurodivergent people,
these bring too much uncertainty and they respond better to
questions with concrete answers.
Use visuals to reinforce spoken communication.
