Jon Hubbard: From Struggling with a Stammer to Empowering Others for ISAD 2024
As we celebrate International Stammering Awareness Day (ISAD) on October 22, 2024, it’s inspiring to see how personal stories of triumph can help raise awareness about the challenges of living with a stammer. One such story is that of Jon Hubbard, a McGuire Programme coach based in Wythall, who is using his own experiences to support others facing similar struggles.
Jon’s journey with stammering began when he was just five years old. As a child, he struggled with speaking and found it hard to express himself, leading to difficult and often painful moments in the classroom. The fear of speaking made him retreat into himself, avoiding situations where he might have to speak. This pattern continued into adulthood, affecting his university studies, work life, and everyday interactions.
Jon shares how being a “covert” stutterer shaped his behavior—arriving late to meetings to avoid introducing himself, or even taking phone calls under the table to hide his speech difficulties. “You end up avoiding situations completely where you might have to speak,” he explains. This constant battle, paired with the need to plan every conversation and think of replacement words, made life exhausting.
Despite trying various speech therapy techniques, Jon found that many of them fell short of addressing the root issues: the fear and anxiety around speaking. It wasn’t until he joined The McGuire Programme that he found a way to truly take control of his speech. Unlike conventional therapies, the McGuire Programme focuses not only on the physical aspects of speech but also on the psychological barriers that need to be overcome.
“Just getting it out there and being open and honest about the fact you have a stammer is a huge weight lifted off your shoulders,” Jon says, highlighting what makes the McGuire Programme unique. The support network and holistic approach enabled him to confront his fears directly, paving the way for a new chapter in his life.
Jon’s transformation didn’t stop with his own progress—he became a coach in 2019, sharing his knowledge and experience with others on their journey to overcoming stammering. Last year, he instructed his first course, guiding others in using valuable techniques to manage their stammers. Jon considers it a true honor to be part of a course team that helps people find their voice and regain confidence in their speech.
As Jon reflects on his journey and prepares to support ISAD 2024, he emphasizes the need for open conversations about stammering. “I’d just like people to be able to talk about stammering, without those affected or the listeners feeling embarrassed,” he says. “It’s such a taboo subject still.” By sharing his story, Jon hopes to encourage more understanding and empathy for people who stammer, shedding light on the importance of support and acceptance.
For those looking to learn more about The McGuire Programme and its efforts to help people who stammer, a free information session was held in Birmingham City Centre on October 19. Courses are available throughout the year, offering a chance to build skills and connect with a supportive community.
On this International Stammering Awareness Day, Jon’s story serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when fear is faced head-on and support is available. As he continues to share his journey and uplift others, he embodies the spirit of ISAD—bringing awareness, hope, and understanding to the stammering community.
Get in touch with Matt Wilton, Regional Director of The McGuire Programme, at [email protected] or 07838172768
Read Jon’s interview with The Bromsgrove Standard bromsgrovestandard.co.uk