Effective Communication Strategies in the Workplace

Ensure clarity in meetings, emails, and presentations.

Let’s be honest: Communicating in the workplace as a dyslexic professional isn’t always straightforward. We know what we want to say and care deeply about how it’s received. But between spelling, grammar, and the sheer volume of daily demands, getting our message across clearly can feel like a full-time job.

Over the years, I’ve learned the hard way that communication isn’t just about being understood; it’s about being believed. It’s about building trust, demonstrating clarity, and showing you can deliver. But that doesn’t mean we have to do it like everyone else.

These are the strategies that helped me grow in my career, not despite dyslexia, but because I learned how to work with it. Let’s dive in.

1. Think Before You Speak (or Send)

I’ve always understood the power of words. But for a long time, my emails didn’t reflect that. Spelling errors, poor flow, and lack of clarity, I’d write and hit send without a second thought. Until one day, someone made it very clear: If you want to progress, this needs to change.

That moment stuck with me.

Now, every email I write gets filtered through Grammarly, ChatGPT, or (most likely) both. I’ll ask ChatGPT to rate it for my intended audience, suggest changes, and improve the tone or flow. It’s become an essential part of how I show up professionally.

🧠 Tip: Before hitting send, ask yourself:

• Does this reflect what I really want to say?

• Is it structured clearly?

• Have I used the tools available to me to make it stronger?

2. Use a Framework, Don’t Rely on Memory

Let’s face it: when your brain’s full of big ideas, structure matters.

One of the most useful things I’ve done is lean into frameworks, little mental checklists that help me communicate clearly without overloading my memory. Whether it’s a team update, an idea pitch, or giving feedback, having a repeatable structure gives me confidence and clarity.

🧩 Try this:

• Point – Reason – Action

• Observation – Impact – Suggestion

• Or my favourite: “What do I want them to understand, feel, and do?”

3. Say Less. Speak with Purpose.

You won’t find me throwing up 20-slide decks filled with graphs and data.

That’s never been my style.

I’ve always been someone who paints pictures with words. I’d rather use my voice to bring ideas to life than rely on slides to do it for me. When I communicate, I make things simple. I break down complex ideas using analogies anyone can understand—because the simpler it is, the more powerful it becomes.

🎯 Best Practice:

• Don’t feel pressured to over-explain.

• Use your strengths, especially if you’re a natural storyteller.

• Focus on clarity, not quantity.

4. Ask Questions, But Do It Strategically

I’ve never been shy about asking for clarity. But I’ve also felt the tension when a team just wants to move on, and you’re the one holding things up.

So here’s what I do now:

I write down my questions as the meeting unfolds. If I have one or two, I’ll ask them when there’s a natural break or a Q&A section. If I’ve got more, I’ll pick the most important ones for the group and save the rest for a quick chat afterwards.

That way, I get the understanding I need without disrupting the flow or frustrating my colleagues.

💡 Tip: Thoughtful timing is part of clear communication. You’re not backing down—you’re being strategic.

5. Use Tools, But Don’t Rely on Them Blindly

Like many people, I use tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly to help me with everything, from workplace emails to creative writing to professional development materials. But here’s the truth: I don’t just drop text in and hope for the best.

To get great results, I treat these tools like creative partners. I guide them, refine them, and rewrite. Sometimes, it takes me hours to get something right, not because the tools aren’t useful but because I care about how my work lands. These tools help shape clarity and structure, but the thought, the tone, and the intention? That still needs a personal touch.

That said, I’m always mindful of where and when I use them. Not every employer, educator, or organisation is comfortable with AI support, and it’s important to respect those boundaries. If needed, I explain that these tools don’t replace my thinking; they simply support my ability to communicate more effectively.

🛠 My toolkit:

• ChatGPT – for shaping tone, clarity, and structure

• Grammarly – for grammar, sentence flow, and proofreading

• Otter.ai – for transcribing meetings and voice notes

⚠️ Important: Always check your organisation’s policy on AI use. Be transparent. Great communication isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about using every tool wisely and responsibly to create work you’re proud of.

6. Communicate the Way You Actually Think (Without Losing Who You Are)

I’ve never tried to sound like everyone else. And I’ve never believed that professional means robotic.

The way I communicate is a big part of who I am; it’s how I connect, how I create, and how I lead. I speak in images, simplify complexity, and bring energy into the room. That’s not something I ever want to water down, and neither should you.

But this isn’t about doing whatever you want either. It’s about contributing to a shared space where everyone feels heard, respected, and included.

Professionalism isn’t the opposite of authenticity. A healthy workplace makes room for both.

🧭 Here’s what that looks like:

• Bringing your natural style into your work, while staying respectful and clear

• Using tools and formats that help you communicate effectively

• Having the confidence to express yourself fully, and the awareness to adapt when needed

🌟 Takeaway: Being dyslexic doesn’t mean you need to change how you communicate. It means you bring something different and valuable to the table. The goal isn’t to fit into outdated systems. It’s to help shape better ones.

When you’re clear, respectful, and yourself, that’s when people really start to listen.

Final Thought

You don’t need to sound like everyone else to be taken seriously. You just need to be clear and confident in how you get there.

Clarity, confidence, and credibility don’t come from perfect grammar or corporate buzzwords; they come from knowing your message, trusting your voice, and building systems that work with your brain.

At Pro Dyslexic, we don’t teach people to conform, we help people communicate powerfully by designing tools, strategies, and support that fit them.

💬 Want help refining your communication style? Book a free 30-minute call. We’ll build something that works for you, from emails to interviews to creative expression.