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GIRL Shakes Loose at Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota (photo by Allen Weeks) Words carry meaning and power. The ways in which we refer to individuals and groups of people can be evidence of respect—or they can convey disregard or scorn. Historic and systemic injustice toward some groups has created bias and prejudice that seeps into everyday language. Because language use is deeply ingrained, mirroring patterns and cultural norms learned from infancy, we may not always be conscious of the harm our words can inflict, especially if we belong to a group holding power. Acknowledging this bias can bring to light inequities in our actions and our language. Changing our words can help to change our and others’ attitudes and reinforce respectful, inclusive behaviors that value a variety of points of view. The words we choose can help us and those who read or hear them to create a culture of equity for all people. As part of state government, state arts agencies can be standard bearers of inclusive language. As supporters of the arts and culture community, state arts agencies can help to ensure—in language as well as action—that all populations have access to the arts and to public resources allocated for the arts, as well as to the benefits of public investment in the arts. This curated list of inclusive-language resources offers state arts agencies guidance on:
Using inclusive language reminds us that the feelings and experiences generated by the arts unite us all. Guiding Principles for Using Inclusive Language GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR USING INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE
GENERAL RESOURCESDetail from I, you she or he, by Jaume Plensa Conscious Style Guide The Diversity Style Guide American Psychological Association Walden University Writing Center Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs (PDF) National Assembly of State Arts Agencies RACE AND ETHNICITYIn its most recent Implicit Bias Review, Ohio State University’s Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity defines implicit bias this way: The attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. Activated involuntarily, without awareness or intentional control. Can be either positive or negative. Everyone is susceptible. Because of the pervasiveness of implicit bias—particularly around race and ethnic identity—state arts agencies should be keenly aware of how their language regards, includes and characterizes people of differing backgrounds. Members of Alma de Mexico (Soul of Mexico) perform a traditional dance at the Festival of Nations in St. Louis, Missouri. Conscious Style Guide American Psychological Association Racial Equity Tools Native American Rights Fund Living
Justice Press Race Forward Mother Jones ABILITYPhysical and mental abilities are not determinants of a person’s value. These resources illustrate that the way we speak about ability can foster understanding and inclusion. State arts agencies reduce barriers to arts participation for people with disabilities. Conscious Style Guide National Center on Disability and Journalism American Psychological Association Center for Disability Rights AGEAgeism—the promulgation of a stereotype on the basis of age—is widespread, whether it’s sidelong glances at the expense of “millennials” or jokes about having “old-timer’s disease.” We acknowledge the dignity of people at all stages of life when we choose respectful language. Parsley Pie Art Club for Children www.parsleypie.com/classes-in-the-garden/ Conscious Style Guide Silver Century Foundation Conscious Style Guide The Atlantic Geriatric Physical Therapy GENDER AND SEXUAL ORIENTATIONWhen our language is accepting of a variety of forms of sexual expression and gender identity, we let people know all are welcome and we benefit from their perspectives. Photo by Zackary Drucker as part of Broadly’s Gender Spectrum Collection. Credit: The Gender Spectrum Collection Conscious Style Guide American Psychological Association APA Style: Sexual Orientation American Philosophical Association Odyssey GLAAD Movement Advancement Project Mother Jones SOCIOECONOMIC STATUSState arts agencies serve constituents at all levels of education, income and class. It is important that our language make every resident feel included. All communities deserve access to the economic, educational and civic benefits of the arts. Conscious Style Guide American Psychological Association Conscious Style Guide KCRW FRAMING FOR CHANGEThis Inclusive Language Guide focuses on terminology that avoids bias and conveys respect. But language use occurs within larger societal frames that shape how issues are understood and embraced. For ideas on how to craft messages and shape communications that advance your agency’s equity objectives, draw ideas from these resources. Donta McGilvery leads the African American Theatre class he created at Arizona State University. Photo by Abisai Alvarez, The State Press The Opportunity Agenda Grantmakers in Aging Movement Advancement Project Center for Social Inclusion Reclaiming Native Truth Welcoming America Racial Equity Tools Frameworks Institute For questions about NASAA’s Inclusive Language Guide, contact NASAA Communications Manager Sue Struve. What is inclusive language in public speaking?Inclusive language is not about impinging on free speech or political correctness; it is about communicating in a way that is accessible and respectful and values, includes and empowers all members of your audience. Language is dynamic and fluid and the meaning and connotations of words can change rapidly.
What are the 4 criteria for using language effectively in your speeches?When considering how to use language effectively in your speech, consider the degree to which the language is appropriate, vivid, inclusive, and familiar. The next sections define each of these aspects of language and discuss why each is important in public speaking.
Which of the following is effective for the use of language in public speaking?Effective language is: (1) concrete and specific, not vague and abstract; (2) concise, not verbose; (3) familiar, not obscure; (4) precise and clear, not inaccurate or ambiguous; (5) constructive, not destructive; and (6) appropriately formal.
What guideline for using language effectively did Deshari?What guideline for using language effectively did Deshari violate when she used basketball terms such as "zone defense" and "pick and roll" to discuss her ideas to her speech class? She did not use language appropriate to the audience.
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