Public Speaking Tips for Dyslexic Individuals

Communicate clearly, even under pressure.

Public speaking isn’t just a skill; it’s a mental and emotional challenge. And if you’re dyslexic, that challenge can feel even steeper. You might worry about muddling your words, forgetting your point, or being judged for how you express yourself.

But here’s something most people won’t tell you: speaking clearly under pressure doesn’t require perfection. It requires clarity, connection, and a structure that works for your brain, not against it.

This guide brings together some of the best tools, techniques, and mindsets for dyslexic communicators. It’s not just about speaking well, it’s about being understood, being impactful, and growing in a space where you can be fully yourself.

1. Start With “Why” Structure Like a Pro

One of the most powerful ways to structure your message is to use Simon Sinek’s Start With Why framework:

Why does this matter?

What are you talking about?

How can people act on it?

This approach helps you anchor your talk in something personal and meaningful, which makes it easier to remember and much more compelling for your audience. Starting with “why” gives purpose to your words. It also helps calm your nerves, because you’re not just delivering information, you’re sharing something that matters.

For dyslexic speakers, structure is everything. It creates mental order in what can sometimes feel like chaos. And when your ideas are built around a clear purpose, you're less likely to lose your thread mid-talk and more likely to feel genuinely excited to speak.

2. Don’t Memorise, Map It Out

When I was an actor, I used to obsess over getting every word exactly right. I’d spend hours rehearsing, trying to be word-perfect. I thought if I slipped up, I’d fail.

Then one day, a director changed everything.

“The audience isn’t reading a script,” he said. “They don’t know what you’re supposed to say. They care about how you make them feel — not about the precision of the words.”

That stuck with me and still guides how I speak today, whether I’m presenting, coaching, or running a workshop.

Instead of trying to memorise every line, map out your message visually. Create a simple prompt list or flowchart using Canva — something you can glance at and immediately know what’s next. Use icons, keywords, and short phrases. Print it out. Stick it beside your camera or in your notebook. Let it guide you, not restrict you.

This style of prep helps dyslexic minds because it builds memory around images, associations, and meaning, not rote repetition.

3. Practice Out Loud, Then Practice Being Still

There’s a big difference between reading your talk in your head and saying it out loud. Speaking brings your message to life and highlights any tricky bits that might trip you up.

But practice doesn’t just mean repeating your points. One of the most powerful things you can do is practise pausing.

Here’s a simple but brilliant exercise:

Go through your talk and challenge yourself to find moments of stillness. Where could you pause for effect? Where would silence make a point land? Now practise holding that pause for three seconds, then five, then even longer. Feel the stillness. Own it. Let it build your confidence.

Most of us fear silence, but in public speaking, a pause is a mark of strength. It shows you’re in control, and it gives your audience time to absorb what you’ve said.

4. Stand in the Space Before You Speak

Before every performance, every workshop, or every big talk I give, I find time to stand on the stage. No crowd. No pressure. Just me and the space.

It’s a ritual that grounds me. I walk where I’ll walk, visualise the audience, take a few deep breaths, and imagine myself succeeding.

Doing this helps me take the room from “unknown and threatening” to “familiar and manageable.” For many dyslexic speakers, unfamiliar environments can spark overwhelm. But visualising your place in the space ahead of time helps you find your centre before you even begin.

If you're presenting in a meeting room, visit it earlier in the day. If it's a Zoom talk, test the camera and get comfortable with the setup. Let the environment become yours.

5. Use Visual Anchors to Support You

Visuals aren’t just helpful for your audience, they’re a lifeline for dyslexic communicators. A strong image, a single keyword on a slide, or even a physical prop can keep you on track if your mind goes blank.

Visual cues help your memory kick in. They give you space to breathe. And they offer a bridge between your thoughts and the audience’s attention.

Even better, visuals slow things down. They break up your message into chunks, giving your audience (and your brain) time to process.

So don’t be afraid to lean on slides, mind maps, or objects in your hand. They’re not crutches; they’re tools.

6. Channel Your Emotions, Don’t Suppress Them

One of the biggest myths in public speaking is that you have to “calm your nerves” or “control your emotions.”

But here’s the truth: your emotions are your edge.

That nervous buzz in your stomach? It’s energy. That lump in your throat? It’s passion. Emotions show that you care. And when you care, people connect.

Don’t fight to be calm. Fight to be real. Let your emotions flow through your message. Channel them into your tone, your rhythm, your presence. Speak with honesty, even if your voice shakes a little.

Audiences don’t connect with perfection; they connect with truth. They remember speakers who moved them, not the ones who ticked every box.

7. Still Feel Daunted? You’re in Good Company.

Even the most celebrated speakers in the world get nervous. Emma Watson, for example, has spoken openly about how public speaking terrifies her, yet her speeches have inspired millions. Richard Branson has dyslexia and anxiety, but still gives global talks with the help of cue cards and structured notes. Barack Obama, one of the most powerful speakers of our time, works with presentation coaches before every major address.

Why? Because it’s normal to need help. Even the best don’t do it alone.

If public speaking still feels overwhelming, you’re not failing; you’re human. And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

At Pro Dyslexic, we offer presentation coaching that’s designed for your brain, your needs, and your goals. It’s not about teaching you to present like someone else. It’s about helping you develop a style that works for you, calm, grounded, and deeply connected.

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Powerful

Dyslexia doesn’t stop you from being a great communicator; it just means you need tools that match your way of thinking. With the right structure, strategies, and support, you can speak with clarity, calm, and conviction, even under pressure.

We get it. We’ve been there. And we’ve seen what’s possible when someone’s voice finally gets heard.

💬 Want a hand figuring out where to begin?

We offer a free 30-minute consultation, a relaxed, no-pressure chat to help you build confidence and clarity, wherever you're starting from. You’ll be met with kindness, practical tools, and zero judgment.

👉 Book your free consultation — we’re here when you’re ready.