How I Prepare for Speaking Events With Hidden Disabilities
- Justine Martin
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 17
Because resilience doesn’t mean pretending, it means preparing.
When people see me walk onto a stage, they see confidence. They see a speaker ready to inspire, connect, and deliver. What they don’t see are the hidden disabilities I carry with me: multiple sclerosis, an acquired brain injury, cancer recovery, and other chronic health conditions.
These don’t disappear when I step into the spotlight, they come with me. But I’ve learned that with preparation, honesty, and resilience, I can thrive on stage while managing the challenges that live behind the scenes.
1. Mindset First: Owning My Story
Before I prepare my slides, my outfit, or my notes, I prepare my mindset. I remind myself that my disabilities are not weaknesses, they are part of my story. In fact, they are what make my message resonate.
When I walk into a room, I am not hiding what I live with. I am showing others that you can lead, inspire, and create impact even with invisible challenges. That mindset shift is my foundation.
2. Planning With My Body in Mind
Hidden disabilities come with unpredictable energy levels, pain, and fatigue. That means planning is everything.
Travel: I arrive early to reduce stress and allow recovery time.
Schedule: I block out rest before and after events so my body can cope.
Backup: I always have notes, slides, and tech tested in case brain fog or fatigue kicks in.
By respecting my limits, I give myself the best chance to perform at my best.
3. Practical Strategies That Work for Me
Clothing: I choose outfits that are comfortable, supportive, and easy to move in, without sacrificing professionalism.
Hydration & Snacks: Managing fatigue and energy dips means always having water and simple snacks on hand.
Accessibility Requests: I let organisers know if I need seating, breaks, or support with stage setup.
Tech: I often use timers and prompts to keep me on track if cognitive symptoms flare.
These might sound small, but they make the difference between struggling through an event and delivering with confidence.
4. Being Honest With My Audience
Sometimes, my symptoms show up mid-talk. A spasm, a pause, or a moment where I need to catch my breath. Instead of fearing these moments, I’ve learned to own them.
By being honest, I not only give myself grace but also give others permission to show up as they are. That honesty often becomes the most memorable part of my presentations.
5. Building Resilience Into Every Event
Resilience for me isn’t about ignoring my disabilities, it’s about working with them. Each speaking engagement is an opportunity to prove, to myself and others, that leadership and impact don’t require perfection.
I prepare not just to deliver a talk, but to demonstrate resilience in real time. And that, I’ve found, is the most powerful message of all.
Final Thoughts
Speaking with hidden disabilities means preparing differently, but it doesn’t mean preparing less. In fact, the extra planning, honesty, and adaptability make me a stronger speaker.
When I step onto a stage, I bring my story, my challenges, and my triumphs with me, and in doing so, I remind audiences that strength is not about being flawless. It’s about showing up anyway.
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