Speaking Your Mind - It Can Be Frustrating

Have you ever felt like your words get twisted the moment they leave your mouth? You try to speak clearly, but you come away feeling stupid or misunderstood. That sense of frustration can be tough to shake.

In this episode, we explore why communication can feel like our biggest weakness, especially for those of us with dyslexia or ADHD. We notice the mental rollercoaster that comes with sharing our ideas and consider whether it’s worth the stress. We also talk about ways to break free from the pressure so we can speak up with more ease and authenticity.

Why Communication Feels So Hard

Many of us hold back because we fear appearing unintelligent. When we stumble on words or we lose our train of thought, it can be tempting to stay silent. But why does this happen so often?

Our brains work differently, and that can be a strength. Yet in a world full of fast talkers, we might feel we don’t measure up. It’s like trying to swim upstream, always trying to explain ourselves in a language that wasn’t built for our thinking style.

Sometimes, we just don’t see how valuable our unique viewpoint is. We think others won’t understand. That constant doubt can cause us to stay in our heads and avoid real conversations.

The Mindset Shift

If you catch yourself overthinking every word, you’re not alone. Shifting your mindset can help you move past the fear of looking silly. It’s about realising you don’t have to communicate perfectly to be heard.

“We might stumble, but that’s how we know we’re alive and learning.”

When you accept that your voice counts, you’re free to speak with honesty. You might not be perfect, you might make mistakes, but people often value genuine connection over polished monologues.

Practical Tips for Braver Communication

Nervous about an upcoming conversation? Here are a few approaches to make communication feel lighter:

• Plan a little: Jot down key points you want to share. You don’t need a script, but a few bullets can keep you on track.
• Focus on your strengths: Find the style that suits you best. Are you better at telling stories or using examples?
• Pace yourself: Speak slowly, and take pauses if needed. It gives you time to think, and it helps others follow your thoughts.
• Use tools: If you prefer visuals, sketch something out or use a mind map. Sometimes pictures say more than words.

Embrace Your Voice

Communication isn’t about fitting into a certain box. It’s about sharing what matters to you so others can understand. You have experiences that can spark new ideas in people’s minds, even if you trip over a few words.

Take small steps to own your communication style. You might feel awkward at first, but each time you speak up, your confidence grows. Notice the progress: was it easier to speak in a team meeting? Did you feel more relaxed chatting with friends?

When you push past your comfort zone, you might find new doors open. Whether it’s forging deeper friendships or advancing at work, clear communication can make you feel seen and heard.

• Here’s What to Remember:
  • Feeling misunderstood is common and not a sign of low intelligence.
  • Accepting imperfection can calm that nagging fear of looking silly.
  • Small mindset shifts have a big impact on your confidence.
  • Tailor your approach by using methods that fit your thinking style.

If all this resonates, then you’ll want to dive deeper into the episode. The podcast player at the top of the page has the full discussion waiting for you. Give it a listen, and hear all the insights we couldn’t fully capture here. You might discover that it’s exactly what you need to speak out with more courage.