In recent keynotes, I have found myself paying closer attention to the words and expressions I use. It has reminded me how easily I can unintentionally exclude people, not through my intentions, but through the language I assume everyone understands.

How often do any of us assume that everyone understands the language we use?

In prior books and papers, I have written about the importance of identifying the terms, words, idioms, and phrases (TWIPS) we use to communicate meaning (Cohn-Vargas & Zacarian, 2023). By recognizing these expressions, we can either replace them with clearer language or explain their meaning so our communication is more accessible and inclusive.

Consider the phrase, “You hit it out of the park.” A teacher says this to the whole class after students complete a collaborative task. In response, many students congratulate each other while others are unsure what the teacher meant.  What caused the confusion of some but not all the students?  “Hit it out of the park” comes from baseball, where it refers to hitting a home run. Today it is commonly used to mean someone did exceptionally well. But not everyone grew up watching baseball or lives where baseball is widely played, making the expression far less transparent than many speakers realize.

Even everyday classroom directions can contain unfamiliar academic terms and idiomatic expressions that educators may not realize require explanation. Consider the following assignment:

As you read the primary source, put down three reasons the colonists objected to British taxes.

As a result, some students struggled to understand the academic term “primary source” (something created at the time of an event, such as a diary, letter, or document) and the idiomatic phrase “put down.” The phrasal verb “put down” can mean to place something on a surface, to criticize someone, to euthanize an animal, to suppress a rebellion, or to write something. Rather than risk embarrassment by asking for a definition or clarification of these expressions, some students may quietly withdraw from the activity. Additionally, what began as confusion over language became something larger: a missed opportunity to participate and a diminished sense of belonging.

Being Intentional About Our Language

Before publishing an article or delivering a keynote, I intentionally review my language for expressions that may create unnecessary barriers. When possible, I replace them with clearer alternatives. When an idiom helps make a point, I explain its meaning so everyone can participate in the conversation.

Additionally, when an idiomatic expression strengthens my message, I explain its meaning as I say it and intentionally model this practice throughout the presentation.

During a recent professional learning session, after a participant volunteered an insightful example, I responded, “Please stand up and pat yourself on the back to congratulate yourself for saying something worthwhile.” As additional participants volunteered, I continued to explain the expression so everyone understood its meaning, rather than assuming it was universally familiar.

As we launch a new school or university year or semester, it is always helpful to explore questions such as:

• Who are my students?
• What experiences and interests do they bring?
• Will everyone understand the references I use?
• Do my cultural, sports, television, or movie references clarify my message, or create unnecessary confusion??
• Is there a more universally understood way to express the same idea?

Inclusive communication is not about removing personality, humor, or warmth from our language. It is about recognizing that expressions that feel natural to us may not be familiar to others.  By choosing our words intentionally or briefly explaining unfamiliar expressions, we reduce unnecessary barriers and make it easier for everyone to participate, contribute, and experience a sense of belonging.