
Matt Wilton
Regional Director of The McGuire ProgrammeBristol Course February 2026
Home / Course Reports / Bristol Course February 2026
Bristol Course 24th Feb – 1st March 2026
What an amazing and inspiring course we had in Bristol.
Paulina Byczewska instructed her very first course with incredible energy and passion. She was brilliantly supported by experienced and inspiring Course Instructor Michael Joyes.
The course was organised by John McGann, who made the role look effortless as everything ran so smoothly from start to finish.
We welcomed 11 new students who arrived as strangers on Wednesday and left as good friends on Sunday. Every single one of them worked hard to face their fears head-on. With a large team of outstanding coaches to choose from, the new students received first-class coaching and support throughout.
The room was full of energy, with over 80 graduates returning to strengthen their own speech and take their next step forward.
Staff Training also took place over the weekend. Victoria Griffiths-Price, Mustapha Cham and Paul Paluch delivered training to two candidates working towards their CII (Course Instructor Intern) and six others progressing towards becoming CPC coaches. Everyone performed exceptionally well and gained a huge amount from the weekend.
Here’s what some of our new students shared when they arrived home:
“Pleasure meeting all of you – a genuinely life-changing four days.”
“It was a privilege to witness how dedicated and disciplined you all were and to see the unbelievable progress you made.”
“An absolute pleasure to start regaining control with you all. Very emotional at times. There’s still a long way to go – let’s keep that discipline and believe we can do it together!”
“I returned home safely. It was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I used the techniques with some of my family members. Thank you to everybody who made this the best course of my life.”
“Back at work now, but I’m practising my techniques with customers. I made a disclosure which I’m very proud of.”
“Gone through about a box of tissues just thinking about the four days… life-changing!”
“11 strangers arrived and 11 friends left — bonded by a common goal.”
“Remember to use your techniques, even when it’s not necessary. You need to be yourself – you can’t be anyone else.”
“As soon as I got back, I disclosed to three of my flatmates. They were surprised I kept eye contact while explaining it!”
“You’ve really challenged my perception of myself. I’m so grateful to have met such genuine, brave and kind people.”
“From Wednesday night to now, you’ve all become different people. Be proud of yourselves.”
“On the way home, I called my mum and used my techniques. I proved to myself that phone calls aren’t that bad! We were all lifting each other up – such a special feeling.”
“You’ve made my first course very special. It was inspirational watching everyone improve.”
“It’s difficult for me to make friends, but you’ve all been wonderful to meet and talk to.”
Well done to everyone involved.
What a week..
