“The company's spokesman declined to comment.”
Gendered Entry 331 / 1011 60-second read
Spokesman vs. Spokesperson
Spokesperson is the neutral professional title used when the gender of the person isn't relevant.
The comparisoni
“The company's spokesperson declined to comment.”
More examplesii
01
A spokesman for the company told reporters the merger was complete.
A spokesperson for the company told reporters the merger was complete.
02
The government spokesman confirmed the new policy.
The government spokesperson confirmed the new policy.
03
The firm's spokesman released a press statement.
The firm's spokesperson released a press statement.
04
Sarah Mitchell, the company's spokesman, spoke to the press.
Sarah Mitchell, the company's spokesperson, spoke to the press.
05
Spokesmen from several organizations attended.
Spokespeople from several organizations attended.
06
She was hired as the National Spokesman.
She was hired as the National Spokesperson.
The ruleiii
¶
SPOKESPERSON is the standard neutral term.
Spokesman and spokeswoman were the default terms for decades. Many publications still use them. But spokesperson is now the preferred neutral form in most major style guides.
Memory aidiv
Remember it like this
SPOKESperson — the 'person' is doing the speaking. No gender assumption needed. Like chairperson, salesperson, and spokesperson — just add person.