DEI Masterclass: Skills for Inclusive Communication
ABOUT THE MASTERCLASS
In a world where words can be so polarizing and divisive, learning the skills for inclusive communication is more important than ever. From listening to understanding different perspectives, these skills enable us to connect with one another in a way that is both productive and respectful. By taking the time to develop our communication skills, we can foster greater understanding and connection with those around us, helping to create an atmosphere of inclusion in our world.
This masterclass supports participants to cultivate the courage necessary for having challenging conversations. Participants will be empowered with practical skills to courageously communicate in conversations about overt and implicit equity conflicts. Participants will be invited to try on their new courageous communication skills by role playing scenarios that call for courage in intra-group accountability, leadership power dynamics, and collaborating across differences within a team context. Through learning and practicing courageous communication, participants will be better equipped to effectively intervene when they are called to take action in the face of bias or disparities.Â
KEY HIGHLIGHTS AND TAKEAWAYS FROM ATTENDEES
- "Inclusive communication is crucial for everyone to understand and implement if your organization is looking for a team approach."
- "I really appreciated the guidance on accessible communication. Lots of concrete examples."
- "I loved what you shared about acknowledging intersectionality in communication and I appreciated the distinction between safe vs. brave spaces and how most workplaces are safe, not brave spaces."
- "A key takeaway from this session is to lead with empathy and curiosity."
- "I learned of ways to approach real-life situations and how to handle myself with grace."Â
Additional Resources

Starter Guide
These are starter guide and a note about using, copying, building upon, and/or distributing this guide.

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Masterclass Participant Guide
Follow along the masterclass with this handy participant guide. It is a fillable document where you can take notes.

Inclusive Language Guide
These are guides to increase awareness of discriminatory language and offer a variety of suggested alternatives.
If you're interested in continuing the conversation and diving in beyond the masterclass series, consider applying to the Equity Impact Hub 2.0, a community of practice for diversity, equity, and inclusion advocates and change agents that provides you the tools, templates, resources, and expertise you need to drive transformative change in your organization. In the Hub, you will have the opportunity to:
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Network and collaborate with other like-minded change agents
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Operationalize your organizations’ DEI strategy to amplify your impact
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Get coaching and upskill for promotion or inclusive leadership development
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Meet required continuous learning and education requirements
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Explore a career change or pivot