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Women in Tech Global Conference 2023
Guest speaker

In May of 2023, I presented at the Women in Tech global conference during the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging track. My presentation was on the power of language and the importance of removing biases in writing. I gave actionable tips for removing noninclusive language in technical documentation based on my years of research and developing guidance.

​Words mean stuff: Develop a framework for removing biased language at your company

May 9, 2023, 2:20 Pacific Daylight Time

https://www.womentech.net/speaker/Alyssa/Yell/85201 

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With the increased focus on removing language that actively harms and degrades members of our global community, the tech industry has especially needed to make major changes in its written documentation and software. But how does one determine biased language when they work as a team of one or don’t have a sounding board for what is inclusive and exclusive?

By the end of this talk, you’ll develop a framework of asking yourself important questions to determine whether language shows bias, you’ll rank-order the need to replace existing terminology based on the severity of harm, and you’ll learn about outside resources to consult if you need a shoulder to lean on.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Ask yourself questions to determine whether a term shows bias

  • Rank-order the need to replace terminology based on the severity of harm

  • Locate outside references who can help if you’re a team of one or otherwise feel like you work in a silo


Bio

Alyssa Yell is a seasoned editor on the outside and an insatiable adventuress on the inside. She is a proud global citizen who’s made multiple trips around the world, and she strives to make sure everyone feels included, important, and like they belong, both inside and outside of work.

 

Copyright © Alyssa Yell, 2012-2025 

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