Stuttering and stammering is indiscriminate. It affects 1% of the world, spanning all cultures, races, creeds and ages. For many people who have suffered from stuttering all their lives, they are resigned to the fact that they will forever be trapped by their speech impediment. However, this is not true, and there have been many graduates from the McGuire Programme who have achieved their life long speaking goals in their later years.

These 4 veteran graduates at the Melbourne intensive course in November 2008 have a total age of 280 years and this was Dave Simpson’s 50th course! These gentlemen prove that it’s never too late to start working on improving your speech.

As those of you who stutter will know, it’s always nice to hear some positive encouragement regarding our speech. Many people in everyday life receive praise for speeches/presentations/toasts, brush it off and never think of it again. Yet, for those of us to struggle with stuttering, such praise is always a lot more meaningful.

A McGuire Graduate, Adam, recently posted to our internal discussion list regarding one such experience. Eighteen months into the programme, he had met a lawyer in private practice. Fifteen months later, he met the same lawyer and after speaking with him for some time, the lawyer remarked;

“Last time we talked, your speech was so bad I was seriously worried [about your ability to practice]. Today, I wasn’t sure I recognised you.”

Adam has worked tirelessly at his speech since he joined the Programme two and a half years ago and is continuing to reap the rewards for his efforts.