Five Ways to be More Considerate in Communications
Have you spotted any emails in your inbox offering you a choice to unsubscribe from promotional content tied to a day like Mother’s Day? You’re far from alone. An increasing number of businesses are incorporating this method into their communication strategies, and the extra mile doesn’t go unnoticed. Here are some integral ways companies can be more considerate in their communications.
1. Make opting-out easy
You never know what someone is going through, and some topics may stir up difficult emotions. Allowing a subscriber to ‘opt-out’ of potentially sensitive material – such as Mother’s Day, Back to School or Valentine’s Day – is on the rise, giving consumers more control over the communications they receive.
2. Use inclusive language
Language is a powerful tool, and using inclusive language allows everyone to feel valued, respected, and seen. Use language in your comms that considers everyone regardless of their race, age, gender, or sexual orientation.
3. Consider your tone
Being real in your communications, especially when dealing with a crisis, makes a huge difference. Whether it’s a negative review of a service or a large-scale data breach, taking the time to intently listen and understand will gain the trust of your stakeholders. In all communications be transparent, timely and empathetic. Common sense needs to be common in troubling times.
4. Celebrate diversity
We live in a wonderfully diverse country, which should be celebrated at every opportunity. Include diverse language and imagery in your communications and use the appropriate and important voices on significant days (such as women’s voices on International Women’s Day or First Nations voices during NAIDOC Week).
5. Explore accessibility options
We all experience the world differently, and we must make our content accessible to ensure everyone can access and experience it. This involves attaching a description to every image used, ensuring colour combinations in designs are easily readable, and including subtitles on video content.
In our interconnected world, fostering genuine connections through mindful communication is vital. Reflect on your own comms and ask yourself – are you actively creating an environment that promotes inclusivity, accessibility, and understanding?
