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THE CHALLENGE

THE CHALLENGE

  • Many people only read messages they quickly understand.

  • People feel excluded when they don't understand. This includes English learners and native English speakers.

  • Most organizations don’t simplify well. They haven't practiced.

  • We are unaware when people don't understand us because they pretend to understand or ignore us. 

  • It is difficult to unlearn lifelong habits. 

  • Some people use exclusive language to protect power.

  • Many people think it's other people's problem, not theirs!

THE DATA

​See a newsletter I wrote with examples of impact. 

  • Most people spend 5-10 seconds to read a newsletter or email. 

  • Over 20% of adults in the U.S. are non-native English speakers.

  • Over 50% of adults in the U.S. have a literacy level at or below 6th grade.

  • Of 106 senior executives at $500M+ companies surveyed in 2011 by Forbes…

    • 67% said miscommunications from language barriers led to inefficiency.

    • 42% said productivity was lower as a result of misunderstanding.

    • 24% said language barriers made attracting and retaining talent more difficult.

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