How can you make your digital content inclusive for all communication styles?

1 Use clear and concise language

One of the most important aspects of inclusive communication is to use clear and concise language that avoids jargon, slang, or idioms. This helps your audience understand your message without confusion, ambiguity, or misinterpretation. Use short sentences, active voice, and simple words that convey your meaning. Avoid using acronyms or technical terms without explaining them first. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to organize your content and make it easy to scan.

2 Add visual elements

Visual elements can enhance your digital content and appeal to different communication styles. Images, graphs, charts, diagrams, icons, and videos can help you illustrate your points, show data, or demonstrate processes. However, make sure that your visual elements are relevant, clear, and consistent with your text. Avoid using too many or too complex visuals that might distract or overwhelm your audience. Also, remember to add alt text, captions, or transcripts to your visual elements to make them accessible for people who use screen readers or have low vision.

3 Provide audio options

Audio options can also enrich your digital content and cater to different communication styles. Audio files, podcasts, voice recordings, or narrations can help you convey your tone, emotion, or emphasis. They can also provide an alternative or a supplement to your text or visual elements. However, make sure that your audio options are clear, audible, and concise. Avoid using background noise, music, or sound effects that might interfere with your message. Also, remember to provide transcripts or summaries of your audio options to make them accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

4 Incorporate interactivity

Interactivity can increase your digital content's engagement and inclusivity. Interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, surveys, games, or simulations can help you check your audience's understanding, collect feedback, or provide practice. They can also appeal to different communication styles by allowing your audience to choose their own pace, level, or mode of learning. However, make sure that your interactive elements are relevant, easy to use, and compatible with different devices and browsers. Also, remember to provide instructions, feedback, and alternatives for your interactive elements to make them accessible for people who have cognitive or motor impairments.

5 Test and improve your content

The final tip to make your digital content inclusive for all communication styles is to test and improve your content. Testing your content can help you identify and fix any issues or gaps that might affect your audience's comprehension, accessibility, or satisfaction. You can test your content by using different tools, such as readability checkers, accessibility checkers, or user testing platforms. You can also ask for feedback from your audience or from experts in digital accessibility and inclusion. Based on the results, you can improve your content by making adjustments, corrections, or additions.