Text to speech software is a powerful tool for proofreading documents. Microsoft Word from 2019 onwards has a “read aloud” button under the review tab (earlier versions can also read text – see Microsoft online guides for details). There are also standalone programmes that do this.
Having your work read back to you really helps pick out the grammatical and spelling mistakes, especially when spell checking to the completely wrong word.
In this episode, I share my journey from an 18-year-old college student in 2002, riding a Honda CB400 Super 4 and studying Automotive Engineering, to achieving my dream career despite dyslexia. Ignoring career advisors’ push for university, I focused on my College course. Starting as a mechanic for Volvo, I soon sought more. A dream job testing engines required an Engineering Degree, leading to struggles with Imposter Syndrome. Yet, I completed my degree as a mature student, joining a graduate scheme at 30. Despite dyslexia, which I only began discussing in my 30s, I persevered with grit and determination. This episode delves into my challenges and successes with dyslexia, education, and career aspirations.
In this episode of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show, Matt is talking to Carol and Alana Blumenstein from KidsRead2Kids.
KidsRead2Kids offers audiobooks, as well as other study resources which are read aloud by teenage children. This is to provide role models for young children when it comes to reading there is also video content along with the audio. They have won a parents choice award.
Matt Bird, the Founder CEO of ‘PublishU,’ overcame early struggles in remedial English classes and the belief that he was unintelligent. It wasn’t until his 20s, with his mother’s suggestion, that he discovered he might be dyslexic. This revelation explained the difficulties he faced during his school years. Matt transformed his life by becoming a successful author, with 20 books to his name, winning Book of the Year awards, and contributing to publications like The Times.
He now coaches more than 100 individuals annually to fulfill their dream of becoming authors and publishes over 50 books a year. Matt’s motto is that anyone can write a book. Additionally, he founded the global foundation NAYBA, which supports churches worldwide in promoting neighborly love. In this podcast episode, Matt Bird discusses his journey from feeling unintelligent to discovering his dyslexia and shares insights on writing a book. Key topics include growing up with self-doubt, discovering dyslexia in his 20s, his journey to becoming an author, and his mission to help others achieve their book-writing dreams.
