Choosing the right word: Guidelines for our global audience?

[V. Camgros]

Kate Wilcox asked: 
Since writers in India and the US often have different opinions when it
comes to choosing the right word, how do you determine which words are
right?

I think it's time to determine a corporate standard. I am of the firm belief that generally having a standard and being consistent in its use are more important than what standard you select. Given a choice between two decent options both of which have drawbacks, pick the one you think best for your audience and move on.  

Is your employer an American company or an Indian one? That might be one way to make the decision.

Certainly, in cases where you can, you should choose phrasing that does not confuse people or trigger impressions of rudeness. But if you are forced to use a single set of documents, you need to choose a standard and stick to it.

Unless you can make a $$ case to your management to change its collective mind.

YMMV, of course.
regards,
Vickie