Managers, please make it okay for your team to say "no." That might sound like: - Could you do this for me before Friday? It’s okay if you can’t. - Please check your capacity first - only say yes if you have time! - If this clashes with your working style, let me know.

Not everyone sees the screen. Not everyone clicks, taps, types, or scrolls.  (Some people use a mouse or trackpad. Others use voice controls or screen readers.) So, avoid instructions that rely on one way of interacting with content.

People read your content the way I eat my cereal. Plucking out the chocolate chips. Sorting through fluff, looking for the treasure. (Only 16% of people read every word on a page.)

Quick tip to improve your calls-to-action: Clearly explain what the next step is, and why users should take it.  - Instead of: "Subscribe" - Try: "Access weekly insights" - Instead of: "Click here" - Try: "Start my free trial" - Instead of: "Learn more" - Try: "Read more case studies"

I don’t work with the concept of “unconscious bias”. For me, the word “unconscious” serves to: - soften the accusation - remove accountability - minimise seriousness - dismiss the idea that it can - and should - be challenged - make it sound natural (inevitable, even)

I help folks write and speak in ways that welcome more people in. Not with shaming or endless checklists, but with practical tools, encouragement, and space to practise. 3 ways you can work with me: 1. Bespoke workplace training 2. One-to-one coaching 3. Consultancy

Infantilisation isn’t just about treating someone like they're younger. It shows them as having less agency and competence, too. Did you know? In the 1900s, white people often referred to Black men as “boys” to assert their "racial power".

Advice for fellow (neurodivergent) freelancers:  The better you know yourself, the better you can do your job ☺️ It doesn’t matter what other people can do. It matters what you can do. It doesn’t matter when other people do their best work. It matters when you do. (I could go on.)

2026 is the year to connect more deeply with your colleagues and customers. A great place to start: prioritise inclusive and accessible communication. This can help you: - strengthen your brand reputation - reach more customers - protect your team’s time/energy - hire and retain talented people

Sometimes, I see ‘neurodiverse’ and ‘neurodivergent’ used interchangeably. So, here are a few examples of these terms in sentences 👋

I’ve never been able to follow the "rules" of professionalism. I’ve tried cutting out the: - "would you mind if?" from my requests - exclamation marks in emails - emojis/chatty language And I still can't do it!

Alt text is the unsung hero of the internet. Read my full post on The Marketing Meetup's website: https://themarketingmeetup.com/blog/what-is-alt-text-and-why-does-it-matter/ Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair. I'm sitting in front of a pale pink wall with hanging prints.

Friendly reminder: jargon doesn’t make you seem confident. (In fact, studies show the opposite.) Image description: a burnt orange background with off-white text that reads: "The more anxious people feel about their status, the more jargon they use."

Mistakes are an inevitable (useful!) part of learning. That's especially true when we're talking about inclusion and accessibility. ID: I'm sat on a stool, wearing jeans and a jumper. I'm smiling with my phone in my hand. At the bottom, text says: "Candid self-portrait studio."

The reddest of client red flags: Late payment because *you* have cash flow problems. Is it just me, or is this happening more and more? Even from giant agencies and multinational corporations. “We’re waiting to get paid by our client."  Ahem. I'm a freelancer, not your unofficial overdraft 🙂‍↔️

I try to be the clearest, most accessible communicator I can be. And yet… I sometimes struggle. - I get stressed/distracted - I show up with brain fog - I’m exhausted after a bad night’s sleep Video description: I'm a white woman, I'm sitting in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.

The 1 post freelancers should share: (It's cringe, but we gotta do it.) "Work with me."

Who else went freelance for the “freedom”? 🫣 And who else ended up: - Working hours that don’t suit you - Saying “yes” to projects that drain you - Running flat out with no breaks - Never taking a proper holiday This isn’t what you signed up for, is it?

When giving instructions, include 3 things: 1. What you want done 2. When you want it done 3. Why it matters This is what Ellie Middleton calls the "what, by when, and why" framework. Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, sitting in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.

Your company might share well-intentioned statements like: - “We are shocked by this racist news.” - “We must support our racially minoritised colleagues.” But these messages can cause harm. Who does “we” actually refer to? (Is it just white folks?)

5 ways to use emojis accessibly: 1. Don't use them as bullet points 2. Stick to one or two per post 3. Don’t replace words with emojis 4. Use emojis that work well on light/dark backgrounds 5. Put them at the end of sentences

Wayyy too many organisations think it’s complex, confusing or expensive to make their communications inclusive and accessible. It's not. I loved joining Peta O'Brien-Day on her fabulous podcast, the Soapbox. www.buzzsprout.com/2194591/epis...

“Hey, can we talk?” My brain translates that as: "You're in big trouble." Context can prevent stress for a lot of ADHDers - and many other folks! Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, wearing a white shirt. I'm in front of a pale pink wall with framed prints.

Branding folks! Do you care about inclusion and driving positive impact? Then I've got something just for you. 😊 Come along to my inclusive branding masterclass on Thursday 9 October for The Subtext.

A simple way to accommodate ADHDers? Start requests with a clear note on how urgent they are: • “For Monday” • “Open after your holiday” • “Non-urgent request” • “Top priority for next week” This small change helps everyone - not just ADHDers. Try it and see ☺️

ADHD isn’t a superpower. Image description: a burnt orange background with off-white text that says: "The ADHD superpower myth fetishises neurodivergent people, and leaves us without vital support." (1/3)

Bullshit suggestions for ADHDers: - get a new notebook - limit distractions - just get organised! - read [productivity book by neurotypical man] - have you tried time management? - make a routine - try harder - prioritise better - stop procrastinating - write a to-do list - stop overthinking

You can’t assume someone’s orientation from the gender of their partner. Whether a bisexual person is in a relationship with someone: • of the same gender • of another gender They’re still bisexual. Not heterosexual. Not a lesbian. Not ”batting for both teams”. Bisexual. #BiVisibilityDay

Write for the frazzled reader. - Use short words/sentences - Use clear headings - One idea per paragraph - Use lists - Use bold font to highlight text - Include plenty of blank space Image description: text says: "Copywriting tip: Don't write for a focused, well-rested person sitting at a laptop."

I help brands turn “we care about inclusivity” into content that proves it. How? By delivering...  (1/3) Image description: I'm a white person with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a pale pink jumpsuit. I'm wearing red lipstick and grinning.

Accessible copy tip: say one thing at a time. Moving onto a new idea? Start a new sentence. Shorter sentences mean: - less strain on your reader’s brain - a better chance they’ll remember your message - a higher chance they’ll act on it! In other words, shorter sentences = more engaging content.

As a neurodivergent freelancer, everything feels urgent. Like that Gmail notification. (Before my brain even registers it, I’m already typing a response.)

Join my 12-week course on inclusive and accessible communication: https://f.mtr.cool/povfwlnciy (Starts 23 September!) Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde, tied-up hair and a pink and white striped shirt. Framed prints are hung on the wall behind me.

Inclusion isn't something you do to make more money. It matters because: - it reflects your mission/values - it creates stronger workplaces - we owe each other respect ID: orange background with pale text: "75% of consumers report that a brand's DEI reputation influences their purchase decisions."

This September, learn how to: - Confidently create accessible content - Reach/engage more people  - Have the biggest possible impact https://f.mtr.cool/btfhygrlai ID: my chin rests on a stack of books about language/inclusivity. Text says: Bold Type starts in 2 weeks!

Me: I’ll just film a quick video. My hair: have fun with that 🙃 Video description: a compilation of video snippets I’ve deleted, including deep sighs, messy hair, awkward pointing, and asking, “Is that on?” Dark green text reads: "The reality of filming social media content:"

3 free spaces left! If you want to join us on a 12 week journey into inclusive and accessible communication, apply now for a spot. fightingtalk.thrivecart.com/bold-type-20...

I teach inclusive and accessible communication. Which is a fancy way of saying: I help you write, speak, and share ideas in ways that welcome more people in - without unintentionally shutting anyone out.

A phrase I (a very literal thinker) always misunderstand: "Watch out." What's something you take too literally? 🥲 Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, wearing a pink and white love heart jacket. Behind me are framed prints hung on my wall. #Neurodivergent

I've got good news and great news. Good news: creating inclusive and accessible content isn't complicated. Great news: Bold Type is back on 23 September! Video description: I’m a white woman with long, blonde hair, wearing a pink denim shirt. Behind me are 4 framed illustrations hung on my wall.

I teach inclusive and accessible communication. Which is a fancy way of saying: I help you write and speak in ways that welcome more people in. Image description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair. I'm pointing towards green and burnt-orange text that says: "Hi, I'm Ettie."

Alt text or image descriptions? Both.  That way, your content will work better for: - blind or low-vision people, - neurodivergent people, - anyone on a platform where alt text fails to load. Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, wearing a pink and white love heart jacket.

Being an inclusive and accessible communicator isn't about having the right checklist. It's about: - practising in real contexts - getting feedback - having motivated people in your corner Join Bold Type for 12 weeks of interactive learning:

Inclusive and accessible communication is a skill. One you can learn, practise, and feel confident using. Sign up for Bold Type today: https://f.mtr.cool/zkmyurkxcc Video description: I’m a white woman with blonde hair, wearing a pink shirt.

Accessible content can be as simple as: 1. Alt text and image descriptions 2. Using short sentences 3. Keeping emojis to the end of sentences 4. Using #PascalCase 5. Making your calls-to-action specific Vid description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, wearing a pink and white striped shirt.

Want to become a more confident, inclusive and accessible communicator this autumn? 👋 Bold Type is back this September. Save your spot: https://fightingtalk.thrivecart.com/bold-type-2025-09/ Vid description: I'm a white woman with blonde hair, wearing a pink jacket with white love hearts on it.

How many times do you triple-check an email before sending it? Bold Type gives you the confidence to write in a way that’s inclusive and accessible. https://fightingtalk.thrivecart.com/bold-type-2025-09/ Vid description: I'm a white woman with blonde, wavy hair, wearing a pink shirt.

69% of marketers think accessibility is key to a successful campaign (Capterra, 2022). Still, many of us hold back - unsure where to start, or scared of getting it "wrong". Video description: I'm a white woman with blonde, wavy hair, wearing a pink shirt.

Marketers, want your content to reach more people? Bold Type will show you how ☺️ - Learn how to create accessible content - Get confident in using inclusive language - Build long-term support relationships Starting 23 September! Sign up here: https://fightingtalk.thrivecart.com/bold-type-2025-09/

The words participants used to sum up Bold Type 🧡 This 12-week course helps you create clearer, kinder content. Join us on 23 September for: • live masterclasses • a resource-packed library • a friendly community Image description: a word cloud of the words participants used to describe Bold Type