PRDV008: Preparing and Delivering Presentations

In business writing, it is important to communicate the message using impartial or unbiased language.

Learning Objectives

Explain why it is important to use impartial language in business writing

Key Takeaways

Key Points

• Not only does biased language have the potential to offend readers, but it also negatively affects the writer's credibility and distracts from the message being conveyed.
• Choosing unbiased language avoids offensive language and ensures that the message is effectively communicated.
• Writers should write in a way that is free from gender and group stereotypes including race, age, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation.
• When writing business correspondence use respectful language.

Key Terms

• unbiased: Impartial or without bias or prejudice.

Impartial Language

In business writing, it is important to communicate the message using impartial or unbiased language. Choosing unbiased language avoids offensive language and ensures that the message is effectively communicated. Not only does biased language have the potential to offend readers, but it also negatively affects the writer's credibility and distracts from the message being conveyed.

Impartial Language: In business writing, it is important to communicate the message using impartial or unbiased language.

Using Unbiased Language

Writers should write in a way that is free from gender and group stereotypes including race, age, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation. Here are a few examples that illustrate the use of unbiased language:

Disability

Language that labels individuals by their disability and use of emotionally impartial expressions should be avoided.

Before editing: The facility should be reconstructed because it is not accessible for individuals confined to wheelchairs.

After editing: The facility should be reconstructed because it is not accessible for individuals who use wheelchairs.

Gender

Gender language that could be considered sexist or stereotypical should be avoided. Gender should only be specified if necessary for clarity.

Before editing: The instructor should consider the needs of his students when developing the syllabus.

After editing: Instructors should consider the needs of their students when developing the syllabus.

Racial or Ethnic Identity

Always use the preferred designations for ethnic and racial groups. Descriptors used to identify a group should be precise.

Before editing: In clinical studies, the drug was less effective in Oriental and other Non-White women.

After editing: In clinical studies, the drug was less effective in Asian, Hispanic, and African American women.