Ensuring Equity in Your Message: 5 Practical Steps to Avoid Bias in Public Speaking

For a more in-depth exploration of public speaking techniques, be sure to check out our detailed blog articles on this topic here.

Imagine standing before an eager audience, ready to deliver a powerful message. Your words are polished, your confidence is high, and your story is compelling. But somewhere along the way, a single phrase alienates part of the audience. A subtle generalization goes unnoticed by you but not by them. The connection frays. The impact fades.

Bias in public speaking is often unintentional but can have lasting consequences. It can divide rather than unite, exclude rather than embrace, and distort rather than inform. Whether you're a keynote speaker, a corporate leader, a teacher, or even just someone giving a toast at a wedding, avoiding bias in your speech is essential to ensure your message reaches and resonates with everyone.

So how do we craft a speech that is truly inclusive? How do we train our minds to detect and eliminate bias? Let’s explore the art of fair and inclusive communication.

Practical Steps to Avoid Bias in Public Speaking

1. Choose Inclusive Language

Words have power. They can either bridge gaps or build barriers. Choosing inclusive language is a key practical step to avoid bias in public speaking because it ensures that all individuals, regardless of their background or identity, feel respected and valued. Inclusive language helps avoid reinforcing stereotypes or perpetuating exclusionary norms. It allows the speaker to connect with a diverse audience, fostering a sense of belonging.

2. Check Your Assumptions

Before making a statement, ask yourself:

• Am I assuming everyone shares my experience?

• Am I reinforcing a stereotype?

• Am I generalizing a particular group?

• Am I unconsciously privileging one group over another?

Checking your assumptions is an important practical step in avoiding bias in public speaking because it encourages speakers to be aware of the preconceived notions or stereotypes they might unknowingly carry into their presentations. These assumptions—whether about a person’s background, experiences, beliefs, or preferences—can shape how we speak, what we emphasize, and the language we use, often in ways that may alienate or marginalize certain groups of people.

3. Diversify Your Examples and Stories

A speaker’s examples and stories should reflect a broad spectrum of people. If your examples are too narrow or limited to one type of experience, identity, or culture, you run the risk of unintentionally excluding or marginalizing parts of your audience. A diverse range of examples and stories, on the other hand, ensures that your message resonates with a wider audience, reflects a more accurate view of the world, and avoids reinforcing stereotypes or assumptions.

4. Be Aware of Nonverbal Bias

Nonverbal communication—such as body language, facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, and tone of voice—plays a critical role in public speaking. However, these nonverbal cues can also unintentionally reflect bias, influencing how your audience perceives your message. Being mindful of nonverbal bias helps ensure that you are inclusive, respectful, and engaging with all audience members equally. Public speaking is not just about words; body language, facial expressions, and gestures also convey messages.

5. Fact-Check Your Content

Bias can sneak in through misinformation. Before making claims, verify:

• Are my sources credible and diverse?

• Am I presenting a well-rounded perspective?

• Have I avoided sweeping generalizations?

Public speakers have a responsibility to provide accurate, reliable, and well-researched information. Sharing false or misleading content—whether intentional or accidental—can reinforce biases, spread misinformation, and damage credibility. Fact-checking ensures that your speech is rooted in truth, making your arguments stronger and more inclusive while preventing the reinforcement of stereotypes or outdated narratives.

Speak to Unite, Not Divide

Public speaking is a powerful tool. It can inspire, educate, and move people to action. But to truly make a difference, your words must be inclusive, fair, and free from bias.

The next time you step on stage, prepare for a meeting, or simply engage in conversation, take a moment to reflect: Am I speaking in a way that embraces everyone?

Let’s commit to making our words a bridge rather than a barrier. Let’s create speeches that resonate with all, not just some.

Are you ready to become a speaker who unites rather than divides? Start today. Challenge yourself to recognize bias, embrace inclusivity, and elevate your impact. The world needs your voice—make it one that welcomes all.

Now it’s your turn: What steps will you take to remove bias from your speeches? Share your thoughts in the comments below!