As someone who’s dyslexic, talking on live radio was a first for me—and let me tell you, it’s harder than you think! Recently, I had the privilege of joining TeachTalk Radio to discuss the theme “Inspection Ready: From Stress to Success in Teaching and Leadership”. While I’m no stranger to live sessions on Instagram and LinkedIn, keynote speeches, or training educators both in-person and online, the radio was an entirely new experience.
Unlike face-to-face speaking, where I can read body language and pick up on visual cues, radio strips all that away. For a dyslexic person like me, this made the experience particularly challenging. Without those non-verbal signals, I had to rely entirely on auditory input, which can be tricky for many of us with dyslexia.
Key Takeaways from My Radio Debut
- Write It Down: I learnt that jotting down keywords from questions is absolutely vital. With reduced working memory, I can sometimes lose my train of thought halfway through answering a question if I don’t have a visual prompt.
- Active Listening: Dyslexic individuals often find it difficult to pick up on subtle auditory cues. On the radio, where sound is everything, I had to focus harder than ever before.
- Self-Awareness: This experience made me realise just how much I depend on visual cues in everyday communication. It was an eye-opener and has already started shaping how I prepare for new challenges.
Despite the hurdles, the experience was incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to be returning to TeachTalk Radio in the new year and continuing to grow as both a speaker and an advocate for dyslexia.
For anyone stepping out of their comfort zone, especially those navigating communication challenges, my advice is simple: embrace the learning curve. Growth often comes from discomfort, and I’m living proof of that!
