Ettie Bailey-King (she/her)
@ettiebaileyking.bsky.social
Inclusive and accessible communication educator
Pinned
Bold Type September 2025
Checkout page for Bold Type September 2025.
fightingtalk.thrivecart.com
I've got 3 free places left.
So I’ve extended applications for solidarity spaces (free and reduced price places on the course, for people who don’t have access to employer funding) until Monday 8 September at 12pm BST.
Check out the website for more ⬇️
fightingtalk.thrivecart.com/bold-type-20...
So I’ve extended applications for solidarity spaces (free and reduced price places on the course, for people who don’t have access to employer funding) until Monday 8 September at 12pm BST.
Check out the website for more ⬇️
fightingtalk.thrivecart.com/bold-type-20...
Sometimes, I see ‘neurodiverse’ and ‘neurodivergent’ used interchangeably.
So, here are a few examples of these terms in sentences 👋
So, here are a few examples of these terms in sentences 👋
November 20, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Sometimes, I see ‘neurodiverse’ and ‘neurodivergent’ used interchangeably.
So, here are a few examples of these terms in sentences 👋
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!
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!
November 19, 2025 at 7:02 PM
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!
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.
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.
November 9, 2025 at 10:33 AM
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.
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."
(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."
November 6, 2025 at 10:01 AM
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."
(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."
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."
November 2, 2025 at 10:01 AM
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."
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 🙂↔️
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 🙂↔️
October 29, 2025 at 10:03 AM
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 🙂↔️
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.
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.
October 28, 2025 at 6:03 PM
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.
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."
(It's cringe, but we gotta do it.)
"Work with me."
October 27, 2025 at 6:01 PM
The 1 post freelancers should share:
(It's cringe, but we gotta do it.)
"Work with me."
(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?
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?
October 22, 2025 at 9:02 AM
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?
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.
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.
October 21, 2025 at 9:02 AM
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.
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?)
- “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?)
![A pale yellow background with dark green and burnt orange text. Large text in the centre reads: “Here at [organisation], we are shocked by this racist news. We must support our racially minoritised colleagues.” Annotations read: “It might not be surprising for folks who regularly experience racism”, “White as default”, “Does 'we' not include racially minoritised colleagues?"](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:bafgpgcdqvprapopwr7kl3oa/bafkreidedluk7qzyzqatgjn4bcglrdzrfjmhcz3qsw4qpctzp3tcm27f3e@jpeg)
October 19, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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?)
- “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
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
The secret life of emojis
The surprising jobs they do, how to use them accessibly, and make sure they pack a punch 👊
fightingtalk.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:03 AM
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
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...
It's not.
I loved joining Peta O'Brien-Day on her fabulous podcast, the Soapbox.
www.buzzsprout.com/2194591/epis...
October 15, 2025 at 2:08 PM
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...
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.
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.
October 15, 2025 at 9:03 AM
“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.
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.
Come along to my inclusive branding masterclass on Thursday 9 October for The Subtext.
Inclusive Writing for Brands · Zoom · Luma
At The Subtext, we want to create opportunities for creatives to embrace their curiosity, break away from industry echo chambers, and soak up fresh…
luma.com
October 8, 2025 at 1:07 PM
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.
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 ☺️
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 ☺️
October 2, 2025 at 4:01 PM
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 ☺️
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)
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)
October 1, 2025 at 6:01 PM
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)
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
- 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
September 29, 2025 at 7:30 PM
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
- 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
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
September 23, 2025 at 8:01 PM
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
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."
- 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."
September 22, 2025 at 7:01 PM
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."
- 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.
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.
September 18, 2025 at 4:04 PM
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.
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.
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.
September 16, 2025 at 7:02 PM
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.
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.)
Like that Gmail notification.
(Before my brain even registers it, I’m already typing a response.)
September 15, 2025 at 4:02 PM
As a neurodivergent freelancer, everything feels urgent.
Like that Gmail notification.
(Before my brain even registers it, I’m already typing a response.)
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.
(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.
September 12, 2025 at 7:02 PM
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.
(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."
- 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."
September 10, 2025 at 6:02 PM
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."
- 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."