COVID-19 has prompted a time for reflection and realising the importance of social interaction and communication in daily lives. The McGuire Programme Ireland has been changing lives since 1996. This commitment continued in March 2021 with the region’s first-ever online course via Zoom.

Six courageous people took their first step in starting their journey to overcome their stutter from the comfort of their own homes. The course commenced at 7 pm on Wednesday 24th March and finished up at 7.30 pm on Saturday 27th March. Mary Moorehead and Sharon Gavillet instructed the course. Tasked with adapting the usual physical course to a completely online format, Sharon and Mary were up for the challenge. This determination was apparent by the months of endless preparation put in by both instructors and the zoom controller, Cormac King, to create the environment for these six new members to finally take back control of their speaking lives.

It was clear on Wednesday night that the new members had such a hunger for change. The fire of change had been ignited long before 24th March. No longer was their stutter going to be in the driving seat.

Around twenty-five coaches attended the course to help the new students, ensuring they got the best possible start. The new online format brought a vibrant, diverse international feeling to the ‘room’. This atmosphere showcased the McGuire Programme’s worldwide support, part of its value of working together towards the shared goal of articulate eloquence.

By Saturday evening, the six new students’ transformations were incredible, and their lives would never be the same again. They now have the techniques and support to continue to win against their stutter and live life on their terms.

Below are some quotes from the March 2021 instruction team:

“It has been an honour to be part of the transformation of our 6 new members. Watching them speak with control, eloquence and of course, a big smile shows us what can be achieved with courage, hard work and commitment. Looking forward to seeing them achieve their goals.” – Sharon Gavillet

“Being involved and seeing 6 new students making a CHOICE, taking a CHANCE to CHANGE their lives to take control of a stutter, fantastic end to a McGuire Programme Course.” – Mary Moorehead

“It was inspiring to see the six New Students take control and overcome their stutter. They have taken the brave first step in their journey. A journey of a lifetime, which will see each of them grow from strength to strength to become the person they have always wanted to be” – Cormac King

“Today I feel so proud of what the 6 brave new students have achieved over the past 3 days. They showed such courage and work ethic in their determination to overcome their stutter. Long may it continue” – Joe O Donnell, Regional Director