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These are the rules one needs to follow to keep one's business writing free of gender-discriminatory language.



Listed below are other terms to avoid:

• Derogatory religious or racial terms: In a cross-cultural business environment, it can be damaging for your professional reputation if you use words or phrases that have a derogatory connotation as far as religion or race goes. Language is what connects one human being to another; if one uses certain stereotypes in addressing or referring to someone, it can have a deep impact on the other person. Resentment, anger, pain, and hurt are some of the feelings that people might experience if they are labeled a certain way. References to race, religion, culture, etc., should be avoided in business communication. Terms such as "Blacks," "Scots," "Eskimos," "Orientals," and "Jews" are unacceptable.


• Derogatory terms for physical handicaps: Terms such as "dumb," "crippled," "retarded," or even "handicapped" are considered offensive in today's world and should be avoided. Instead, using the term "person or persons with a disability" would be appropriate.


• Use of jargon: Jargon inadvertently creeps into a professional's communication. While it is fine to use it with readers who are part of the closed user group that understands that jargon, do not inflict jargon on a lay person. This alienates and puts off a reader. Not every person in the world would know what GDP or PoP is. Your message is lost. If you have to use an abbreviation or jargon, clearly spell out the meaning for the reader. For example, when using GDP, mention Gross Domestic Product in brackets for the benefit of your reader.


• Use of slang: Slang is meant for informal communication and while talking to an informal group of people. Using slang in business communication can put you across as non-serious and unprofessional to your reader.


• Titles and naming practices: Getting titles right in business correspondence is vital. The title "Mr." immediately identifies the reader as a man. Titles for women are the tricky area. "Mrs." or "Miss" not only identifies the recipient as a woman but also gives away her marital status. If one is unsure of a woman's marital status, which title to use can become a guessing game. In today's business world,  the use of Mrs. or Miss has been done away with, unless a woman specifically asks to be addressed that way. Instead, the more neutral title "Ms." has been brought into use, or writing out the entire name, i.e., "Dear Mary Gordon."