Ouch! That Stereotype Hurts

Course Outline

Duration: 1 Day

Description: Think that communication is only for communication departments? Think again. Everyone communicates. Think your communication is always bias-free? This is a tough question and the real answer may surprise you. The fact is- people are naturally biased. Biased, stereotypical, or otherwise demeaning communication also undermines morale, teamwork, and productivity in your organization. It can drive customers away. The great news is that each of us can choose to communicate more effectively. We can identify our own biases, explore ways to reduce them, and work to communicate in more inclusive, bias-free ways. That’s what this class is about. Here are some examples of concepts you will learn in this class to help you:

• How to improve your written and verbal communication by eliminating communication “static.”

•How to ensure your message gets across while-conveying respect for others.

•How to gain insight into the impact of your language choices.

•How to successfully recover when you’ve put your foot in your mouth.

•How to speak effectively if others stereotype or make biased or demeaning comments.

•How to enhance your creditability and influence as a communicator.

Course Content:

Unit 1: The Language of Inclusion

Topic A: Self-Assessment

Topic B: “You Know How They Are” - Stereotypes

Topic C: The Effects of Stereotyping

Topic D: How to Recognize Stereotypes

Topic E: Eight Common Ways Stereotypes Surface and Are Perpetuated

Topic F: Your Choice: Moving Past Stereotypes

Topic G: Inclusive Language- Who Is Included? Excluded?

Topic H: Naming and Describing People- Images Evoked

Topic I: The “Turn-Around Test”

Topic J: Jokes and Humor

Topic K: Nonverbal Messages

Unit 2: Communication Recovery- What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Topic A: The Gift of Feedback

Topic B: Communication Recovery – Six Step Model

Topic C: When You Know

Topic D: Ask for Feedback

Topic E: The Apology That Isn’t

Topic F: Other Pitfalls to Avoid

Topic G: It’s Not Always Pretty

Topic D: Sometimes You Want to Open the Gift in Private

Unit 3: Speaking Up Against Bias Without Blame or Guilt

Topic A: Silent Collusion

Topic B: Who Can Do It?

Topic C: Ally Behavior

Topic D: What is It’s Too Risky?

Topic E: Twelve Techniques for Taking Action Without Blame or Guilt

1) Assume Good Intent/ Explain Impact

2) Say “Ouch”

3) Rephrase

4) Ask a Question

5) Repeat and Question

6) Interrupt and Redirect

7) Appeal to Empathy

8) Name It

9) Seek Contradictions

10) Make It Individual

11) Broaden to Universal Human Behavior

12) Use the “I” Voice/ Classic Feedback Process

Unit 4: Planning for Inclusion

Topic A: Advance Planning Checklist

Topic B: Communicating Respect and Inclusion