Community and Commitment Shine at McGuire Programme’s Member Weekend in Birmingham, UK
The McGuire Programme’s Graduate Weekend in Birmingham this October was more than just a series of speech training sessions – it was a gathering of individuals dedicated to self-improvement, overcoming personal barriers, and building a community that supports each other’s journey. Organized by Jon Hubbard, Luke Birtwistle, and Harry Britton, the weekend attracted 38 graduates from across the UK and beyond, including participants who travelled from Cyprus. With sessions themed around “War Mentality” and “Sports Mentality,” the weekend was designed to offer graduates the chance to refine their skills, push their limits, and foster a sense of camaraderie.
In a unique approach, the weekend was structured to blur traditional roles, doing away with instructor or coach labels so that all attendees – whether seasoned coaches or newly qualified graduates – could participate as peers, sharing experiences and contributing to each other’s growth. This supportive environment allowed graduates who wanted to lead sessions to step up, providing a fantastic opportunity for less-experienced members to gain confidence in guiding a group.
Saturday: The “War Mentality” Approach
Saturday’s theme, “War Mentality,” encouraged discipline and focus as graduates practised fundamental techniques in structured drills. Sessions emphasized perfecting the basics, from the first release and timing to using “weapons” like assertive speech techniques and clear communication in real-life interactions. Graduates explored tools like the “Hexagon with a Twist,” tackling issues like contact avoidance and building assertiveness in their speech. An energetic session in “stutter clutter” helped graduates recognize unnecessary filler words, promoting clarity and conciseness. The day’s efforts culminated in a lively round of phone call bingo and the “McGuire Acting Extravaganza,” a fun exercise that brought everyone out of their comfort zones and into the spotlight.
Sunday: Building Resilience with “Sports Mentality”
Sunday’s “Sports Mentality” theme shifted the focus to endurance, growth, and enjoying the journey. Graduates learned about the “Fluency Trap,” identifying subtle ways they might subconsciously hide or minimize their stammers, and explored techniques to embrace fluency and openness. The highlight of the day was the Paperclip Challenge, where graduates aimed to engage in long, quality conversations, using the paperclip as a prompt to advertise their stammer openly and comfortably.
In a creative twist, the group participated in a “Dragons’ Den” session, pitching items they had acquired during their contacts challenge. The fun and friendly competition added a light-hearted aspect to the day while reinforcing assertive communication skills. As the event drew to a close, graduates developed a personalized “Speech Workout,” with recommended daily exercises to maintain and build upon the techniques they practised during the weekend.
A Welcoming First Open Day in the Midlands
The Graduate Weekend also coincided with an Open Day, the first in the Midlands in several years. Organizers and graduates shared the McGuire Programme’s mission and approach with prospective members, covering topics like the history of the programme, our holistic methods, and the transformative power of community support. Molly Blake’s testimonial as a young graduate resonated strongly with attendees, especially those who are also under 18.
The Heart of the McGuire Programme: Community and Shared Growth
The success of this Graduate Weekend is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved. With Birmingham as a convenient and welcoming location, the weekend allowed members from all over the country to come together, proving that distance is no barrier to building a supportive community. With each drill, exercise, and conversation, participants demonstrated their commitment to not only improving their speech but also to building a supportive network of peers with shared goals.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Jon, Luke, Harry, Ash Guerin, and all the graduates who participated and supported the event. Together, you’ve strengthened the McGuire community and set a powerful example of what we can accomplish through teamwork, dedication, and mutual encouragement.
Until our next event, keep pushing forward and supporting each other on this path to self-empowerment and eloquence.
