Note: If you’d rather listen to this post, here is a link to an audio recording.
When you have dyslexia and/or dysgraphia (written dyslexia), writing online content is an enormous challenge. This really hit home for me recently, when some of my colleagues and clients revealed that they struggle with these issues.
As I learned in this informative article by Miriam Darnell, writing can be an agonizing chore for you, because:
- Organizing your thoughts is difficult
- It’s challenging just to sit still and keep at it (extroverts, can you relate?)
- It’s frustrating when your ideas don’t materialize on paper the way you want them to
I know that you know what you want to say
This topic reminds me of my time as the music therapist at the Aphasia Institute. The philosophy, “I know that you know” was ingrained in all interactions with clients with aphasia, who knew what they wanted to say but had difficulty expressing it.
Content marketing can improve your confidence and clarity
Because it’s harder for people with dyslexia and/or dysgraphia to explain their ideas in writing, content marketing may seem out of reach. Yet, it’s even more important. That’s because of how content marketing can impact:
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Your confidence – Even though there are many intelligent, well-known, talented and successful people with dyslexia, there is still a stigma attached. When you have difficulties with reading and writing, it can lead to low self-esteem and isolation. Not to mention that imposter syndrome feeling that so many of us exerience.
If you can get your great ideas into writing (maybe with speech-to-text software or a ghostwriter) you can build your own mountain of expert content. Then you and your prospective clients will see just how much knowledge and experience you have to offer – because it’s there in writing!
As well, Action Club members tell me that their confidence soars when they get their articles edited before publishing. That way they can be sure their message is getting across.
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Your clarity – When you have dyslexia or dysgraphia, it is difficult to sequence the details of your topic and get them sorted out in the right order. You may be excellent at delivering a big picture strategy or solution, but struggle to help your client break down the steps to get there.
Getting your thoughts down into writing and/or talking through them with a ghostwriter will help you clarify your methods. You’ll be able to systemize your approach and use your content as an anchor for your work with clients.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:
Content marketing is worth the effort – especially when you have a communication hurdle such as dyslexia or dysgraphia.