International Association of Scientific, Technical & Medical Publishers (STM) has published a Presenters Inclusivity Guide intended to help speakers make presentations more accessible and inclusive at STM events and in the wider sector.
The guide contains practical recommendations on:
• speaking clearly and using simple, inclusive language
• designing slides with accessible fonts, color use, and text styling
• adding alt text to images, charts, and tables
• using captions and accessibility checkers in PowerPoint.
The Diversity & Inclusion Task & Finish Group at STM developed the guide as a ready-to-use slide deck template. STM’s Director of Equity & Inclusion, Sarah Phibbs, credited colleagues Jane Smith, Christene Smith, and Teodoro Pulvirenti with contributions and added that STM aims to support more accessible presentations across the community.
The release coincides with National Inclusion Week® 2025 (September 15–21) and its #NowIsTheTime theme. STM identifies the guide as the initial step of a broader Inclusive Meetings initiative. A narrated walkthrough and guidance for Event Chairs and Session Organizers are planned. STM intends to review the guide annually to reflect evolving accessibility practices.
Click here to read the original press release.
