Playing The Game, Dunking The Ball And Finally Winning

Ever have someone look at you expecting an answer, and you’re not sure what to say? That moment of silent pressure can set off all sorts of thoughts in a dyslexic brain. In this episode, I share a realisation about pausing before I speak and imagining the scene in my mind first—it changed how I respond, especially in those awkward or intense conversations.

We explore why our brains sometimes scramble when we’re on the spot. I also explain a simple trick to stay calm and regain control. By the end, you’ll see how picturing a scenario can help you navigate conversations better, especially if your mind usually races in a hundred directions at once.

Understanding That Heart-Stopping Pause

Think of the last time someone stared at you, waiting for a witty reply or a serious answer. You might’ve felt your brain lock up. You’re not alone. We dive into that split-second freeze in this episode and discuss why it’s so common for those of us with dyslexic or neurodiverse minds.

In the podcast, I describe sitting on a couch with someone’s eyes fixed on me. It was a simple moment, but it made me realise something important. My mind usually goes blank or jumps randomly, so I decided to do one thing differently: pause and visualise the scene before blurting out words.

Pausing to Picture Your Thoughts

Many of us have been taught to ‘think before we speak’, but that can feel vague. So, here’s the strategy:

• Close your eyes for a second (or imagine you do) and see the conversation as a mini movie scene.
• Let your mind set the stage: the couch, the lighting, the other person’s body language.
• Notice what emotions pop up; is it anxiety, excitement, or panic?
• Wait a moment to see what comes next before you answer.

When you do this, you let your brain breathe. Instead of jumping in with a ramble, you respond with clarity. As I explain in the episode:

“We sat on the couch, her eyes looking at me waiting for a response. Without spurting off nonsense, I decided to picture what it was like. That realisation made a difference in my dyslexic brain.”

How Visual Thinking Can Help

Visual thinking turns confusion into focus. By mentally creating a scene, you reduce the pressure of that silent pause. You can also spot patterns in your own reactions. For instance, when I see myself on the couch, I notice I’m fidgeting. That’s my cue to calm down and think carefully about how to word my next sentence.

This technique isn’t just for high-pressure chats. It’s handy when you’re planning your day or brainstorming new ideas. Seeing pictures in your mind can help you organise thoughts and reduce overwhelm.

Making This Realisation Stick

While this might sound simple, it takes practice to remember to do it during tense moments. Here’s how to start:

1. Pick a low-stakes conversation (with a friend or family member) and try pausing to visualise before you speak.
2. Observe your feelings. Do you sense more control or calm?
3. Repeat the process whenever you feel your brain rushing ahead of your mouth.
4. Celebrate small wins when you respond calmly and clearly.

If you keep at it, it'll quickly become a habit you rely on when stressful conversations pop up.

Key Takeaways

• Pausing before responding gives your brain time to organise your thoughts.
• Visualising the moment reduces anxiety and puts you back in control.
• Small habits build up—practise this in casual chats first.
• It’s normal to feel pressure, but you can turn those blank moments into calm clarity.

These ideas have helped me feel more at ease when people expect me to say something smart or deep, and I hope they do the same for you.

If you want the full story, the podcast player is at the top of this page. Give it a listen and see how this realisation might work in your own life. You never know what small tweak could unlock new clarity and confidence.