In delivery work, language is more than a means of communication – it’s a tool of inclusion. Every message, update, or conversation sends signals. The question is: are those signals opening doors, or quietly closing them?

Inclusive leaders recognise that clarity isn’t optional, and accessibility isn’t an afterthought. The words we use shape whether people feel informed, respected, and safe to contribute.

Inclusion Begins With Clarity

When language is murky, people hesitate. They second-guess, disengage, or stay silent – not because they lack capability, but because they weren’t given the clarity to participate confidently.

Delivery Leads often sit between technical teams and stakeholders. Translating complexity into understanding is a skill – and a responsibility.

Common Clarity Traps:

• Jargon that confuses rather than connects
• Acronyms that assume prior knowledge
• Passive phrasing that hides accountability

Try This Instead:

Simple doesn’t mean simplistic – it means accessible.

Language Shapes Belonging

Inclusive language also means being intentional about tone, framing, and identity.

What to Watch For:

• Gendered language: “guys,” “chairman,” “manpower”
• Assumptions about backgrounds or roles
• Unconscious bias in metaphors or humour

“Let’s keep it short and sweet” might seem harmless – but for neurodivergent teammates who process more slowly, it could unintentionally create pressure.

Instead, use phrases that welcome diversity of thought:

• “Would anyone like more time to reflect before sharing?”
• “Different perspectives are valuable – what angles haven’t we heard yet?”

Creating Space for Questions, Not Judgement

Inclusive leaders don’t just speak clearly – they make it safe to say, “I don’t understand.” That means:

• Encouraging questions with open posture and tone
• Praising curiosity, not just certainty
• Avoiding language that implies elitism or exclusion

Remember: if someone feels too intimidated to ask a question, language has failed them. That’s on us as leaders to repair – not on them to “keep up.”

Everyday Ways to Embed Inclusive Language

• Include plain-language summaries in decks and docs
• Ask your team to review comms for clarity – not just accuracy
• Use first-person ownership (“I’ll follow up”) to model transparency
• Avoid idioms or slang that may not translate across cultures

Inclusive language doesn’t slow down delivery – it accelerates understanding. It ensures everyone can contribute, not just the confident few.

Leadership Invitation: Speak to Include

As a Delivery Lead, your words set the tone. Whether you’re crafting a message, leading a meeting, or updating a roadmap, ask:

• Have I made this easy to understand?
• Would someone new to the team feel safe asking questions?
• Am I modeling the kind of communication I want others to use?

Every word is a choice – and every choice can include.