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.
When word-processing a long document, turn the spellchecker off at the start. This may seem counter-intuitive, however, it frees you from the ‘red squiggle of doom’ and allows you to simply form your words on paper and focus on recording your fabulous ideas.
Caragh McMurtry, an Olympic Rower for Team GB, shares her remarkable journey on this podcast. Despite the already challenging path of pursuing Olympic excellence, Caragh’s neurodiversity added an extra layer of complexity. She reveals how she initially struggled as she was misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and underwent ineffective treatments, including medication that hindered her rowing performance.
It took five years, until 2019, for Caragh to receive the correct diagnosis of High-functioning Autism. This revelation empowered her to embrace her uniqueness, leading to newfound happiness. Following her retirement after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Caragh founded Neurodiverse Sport CIC to ensure others with neurodiversity don’t face the same hurdles she did. Her mission is to provide support, education, and advocacy for neurodivergent athletes, believing that no athlete should feel isolated due to not conforming to neurotypical standards.
Caragh’s inspiring story highlights the importance of inclusivity in sports and is a must-listen for all.
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