Dyslexic Success Story - Bill James

I’ve known Bill for years, and we always clicked in a way that felt effortless. Not long ago, he found out he’s dyslexic—much later than most—which connected dots he’d been trying to piece together for a while. In this episode, we dug into how he discovered his learning difference, the ways it shaped him, and why acceptance played a huge role in his journey.

We touched on tactics for clear communication, especially for those of us with dyslexic minds. We also talked about the stress of speaking in front of crowds, how to handle the pressure, and why it’s essential to be genuine. The podcast player is at the top of this page, so once you’ve read through, give it a listen to dive deeper.

Bill’s Late Dyslexia Discovery

Bill didn’t realise he was dyslexic until adulthood. Every time he struggled with reading or got tangled in his thoughts, he assumed he simply needed to “work harder” or “be more disciplined.” Turns out, there was more going on underneath the surface.

He told me about feeling relieved, then overwhelmed, when he was first diagnosed. Suddenly, things made sense. Those moments where he felt misunderstood, or questioned his intelligence, weren’t failures of effort. They were tied to the unique wiring of his brain.

“In some ways, learning I had dyslexia felt like coming home to myself. No more guessing, no more trying to conform to what others expected me to be.” — Bill

That sense of finding your footing resonates with so many adults who discover dyslexia later in life. They figure out why old methods never quite worked for them, and they can begin building new strategies that actually connect.

Communication Tips

Bill brought up a few communication tricks he’s found helpful at work and in daily life. He stressed that clarity matters more than complexity. When your mind races or your words get tangled, it can help to break thoughts into smaller parts.

• Keep it simple: Short sentences or structured points can be easier to process for everyone involved.
• Visual anchors: Using colour-coded notes or simple diagrams helps reinforce ideas.
• Pause and ask for feedback: Instead of pushing forward, slow down to see if others follow what you’re saying.

There’s a lot to be said for letting others know your style too. Dyslexic brains often have bursts of creativity that can feel disorganised, yet sharing that you think in looping, connected ways can help people adapt to your communication flow.

Navigating Public Speaking

Speaking from the stage can be tough for anyone. For dyslexic minds, it can feel even more intense. Bill admitted he used to shy away from any events where he had to talk in front of a group, certain that he’d mess up his words or lose his train of thought. Over time, he learned a few confidence boosters.

1. Practice your main points: Don’t memorise an entire script. Have three or four core ideas, then speak freely around them.
2. Embrace silence: Short pauses feel huge from the speaker’s perspective, but they give listeners time to catch up and keep you calm.
3. Invite questions: Questions steer a talk in natural directions and relieve some of the pressure to present perfectly.

He also mentioned that small crowds are great for testing new ways of speaking. Start with a few teammates or supportive friends, get comfy with your style, then expand your audience if you feel ready.

Acceptance and Growth

Another part of Bill’s story revolves around acceptance. Dyslexia isn’t something to be buried in shame or hidden. The more he spoke about his struggles, the more he connected with people who had similar experiences. It opened new doors socially and professionally.

Acceptance isn’t always an instant success. Some days, you might feel frustration creeping in. That’s normal too. Bill highlighted that giving yourself grace is key. If you misspell a word or forget a name, it doesn’t define your worth. You’re allowed to misstep, brush it off, and move forward.

Why This Matters

For me, chatting with Bill was a reminder that dyslexia is a spectrum with endless personal stories. His experiences of discovery, communication challenges, and acceptance are lessons many of us can learn from.

We can take his insights and apply them to our own journeys, whether we have an official dyslexia diagnosis or simply connect with the feeling of thinking differently. No matter where you are on this path, there’s value in hearing how someone else navigated the same waters.

• Embrace who you are and trust your unique perspectives.
• Communicate on your own terms and share your needs.
• Build confidence by focusing on key points and practising in safe spaces.
• Remember that acceptance can lead to stronger connections.

Most of all, we can keep exploring new methods. If one approach doesn’t work, try another. There’s no final exam on how to be a perfect communicator, so give yourself permission to experiment.

• Key Takeaways:
  • Late dyslexia discoveries can be enlightening and freeing.
  • Short, structured communication helps ideas shine through.
  • Public speaking is less daunting when you focus on a few key points.
  • Acceptance isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a gradual, kind process.
  • Supporting one another and sharing stories fosters understanding.

If you want to hear Bill’s full story in his own words, be sure to scroll back up and hit play on the podcast. You’ll find even more insights on navigating life with dyslexia and building stronger, more authentic connections. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!