Inclusive communication – scripts for the beginning of meetings

Anyone can use these scripts at the beginning of any meeting. Using one of these scripts will

• Demonstrate an active commitment to inclusive communication.
• Remind people that every group includes people with diverse needs and preferences.
• Help everyone to adapt their communication to meet those diverse needs.
• Make it easier for everyone to join in and contribute.

 In person meeting, face to face meetings.

Hello everyone. I am keen that this meeting includes everyone.

We will –

• Start and finish on time.
• Take regular breaks.
• Send notes out after the meeting.

We are (delete as required) –

• Supported by a sign interpreter.
• Recording this meeting.

We all have different communication needs and preferences. So can I ask everyone to to use inclusive communication. Please –

• Turn off your phone.
• Raise your hand or shout out if you want to speak.
• Use simple, everyday language. Avoid jargon and abbreviations.
• Give each other time to say what we want to say.
• Say if something is not clear to you.

If you have not already done so, please speak to (name/role), in confidence, about any communication supports needs you have that are not in place. For example, large print.

It would be great to get your feedback on your communication experience at the end.

Would anyone like to say anything about communication before we move on?

In person meeting, online meetings.

Hello everyone. I am keen that this meeting includes everyone.

We will –

• Start and finish on time.
• Take regular breaks.
• And send notes out after the meeting.

We are (delete as required) –

• Supported by a sign interpreter.

• Using captions.
• Producing a transcript.

We all have different communication needs and preferences. So can I ask everyone to to use inclusive communication. Please –

• Turn on your video camera.
• Turn off your phone.
• Raise your hand, shout out or put a message in chat if you want to speak.
• Use simple, everyday language. Avoid jargon and abbreviations.
• Give each other time to say what we want to say.
• Say if something is not clear to you.

If you have not already done so, please speak to (name/role), in confidence, about any communication supports you need that are not in place. For example, large print or Easy Read.

If you have technical needs, please shout out or message (name) in the “chat.”

It would be great to get your feedback on your communication experience at the end.

Would anyone like to say anything about communication before we move on?

In person – hybrid meetings with face to face and online participants.

Hello everyone. I am keen that this meeting includes everyone.

We will –

• Start and finish on time.
• Take regular breaks.
• And send notes out after the meeting.

We are (delete as required) –

• Supported by a sign interpreter.
• Using captions.
• Recording.
• Producing a transcript.

We all have different communication needs and preferences. So can I ask everyone to to use inclusive communication. Please –

• Turn on your video camera if you are online.
• Turn off your phone.
• Raise your hand, shout out or put a message in chat if you want to speak.
• Use simple, everyday language. Avoid jargon and abbreviations.
• Give each other time to say what we want to say.
• Say if something is not clear to you.

If you have not already done so, please speak to (name/role), in confidence, about any communication supports you need that are not in place. For example, large print or Easy Read.

If you have technical needs, please shout out or message (name) in the “chat.”

It would be great to get your feedback on your communication experience at the end.

Would anyone like to say anything about communication before we move on?