JOINNew STM resource: Presenters Inclusivity Guide
STM has released a new Presenters Inclusivity Guide to support speakers in making presentations more accessible and inclusive at STM events and across the broader industry.
The guide provides practical tips on:
- Speaking clearly and using simple, inclusive language
- Designing slides with accessible fonts, colors, and text styling
- Adding alt text for images, charts, and tables
- Using captions and accessibility checkers in PowerPoint
Developed by STM’s Diversity & Inclusion Task & Finish Group, the guide is designed as a ready-to-use, accessible slide deck template. It offers a clear starting point for presenters who want to ensure their talks can be understood and engaged with by all audiences.
“This guide is the result of thoughtful collaboration from our Task & Finish Group colleagues — Jane Smith, Christene Smith, and Teodoro Pulvirenti. We’re delighted to share it with speakers and look forward to supporting more inclusive and accessible presentations across our community.”
Sarah Phibbs, Director of Equity & Inclusion, STM
Why now: The launch is timed to coincide with National Inclusion Week® 2025 (September 15–21), whose theme #NowIsTheTime emphasizes urgency, action, and embedding inclusion into everyday practice.
This guide is the first step in STM’s wider Inclusive Meetings initiative. A narrated walk-through of the resource is coming soon, along with dedicated guidelines for Event Chairs and Session Organizers.
The Presenters Inclusivity Guide will be reviewed annually to reflect evolving best practices in accessibility.
Download the Presenter Inclusivity Guide here