Join Our Happy Members
At The McGuire Programme, we take our members’ feedback very seriously. Read some testimonials from our members.
The course was a fantastic experience from Wednesday to Saturday. The supportive atmosphere and sense of being part of something life-changing were missing during the pandemic. I had the opportunity to work on my own speech, improve my instructing skills, and receive valuable feedback. It was an enriching and empowering experience.
Megan Gribben
McGuire Programme Member
The Galway course was enjoyable, and Cormac and Megan did an excellent job instructing. The intensive drilling on Thursday was challenging but necessary for new students. On Friday, I had my own presentation and ran an interactive session with the group, which went well. The contacts were successful, and overall, it was a great couple of days witnessing the new students find their voice. I also appreciated the opportunity to work on my own speech and gain more floor time.
Alan O Dwyer
McGuire Programme Member
Attending the course in Galway was a truly inspiring experience, especially after the long break due to Covid-19. Cormac and Megan’s hard work was commendable, and witnessing the transformations of new students in just three days was incredible. Personally, I gained more control and confidence in my speech, and it emphasized the importance of continuous effort, utilizing techniques, and becoming our own coach. Thank you for providing people who stammer, including myself, the chance to take control of our speech and live happier lives.
Alan Hogan
McGuire Programme Member
After 40 years of stuttering affecting both my personal life and career, I decided to focus on myself and start a new chapter. Attending the course provided me with the opportunity to learn new techniques, gain control over my stutter, and learn proper breathing while speaking. It was a transformative experience.
David McIntosh
McGuire Programme Member
Witnessing the new students on their first day reminded me of my own journey and the progress I’ve made with the McGuire Programme. Getting up on the floor and reinforcing my techniques during the three days strengthened my belief in the power of time and effort. Seeing the incredible transformations and smiles on the new students’ faces affirmed the bright future ahead. Thanks to the McGuire Programme.
Noel Leader
McGuire Programme Member
Attending the McGuire Programme in-person course after a decade was a refreshing experience of going back to basics, refreshing my knowledge, and drilling my techniques. The support and understanding from peers in a face-to-face setting is invaluable. The efficient running of the course, breaks, and participation, along with the unique blend of seriousness and humor, created a relaxed environment. The program offers essential support to all its members.
Robert O’Brien
McGuire Programme Member
The course was brilliant and disciplined. After a challenging year with terrible speech, attending the course has made me feel strong again. I realize the amount of work I need to put in, but I gained a lot from the course and feel empowered.
Ciaran McVicar
McGuire Programme Member
My first course on the McGuire Programme was an incredible experience. From the moment I arrived, every member of the program made me feel welcome and at ease. The support and reassurance I received throughout the course were invaluable. Each day, I gained more confidence, and the overall experience was one of the hardest but most rewarding I have ever done. I’m grateful for the McGuire Programme and now feel motivated to do more courses and continue building my confidence.
James Reilly
McGuire Programme Member
The course was challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding. It was great to return to face-to-face courses and meet new people. The work ethic and inspiration from both the graduates and new students were excellent. Personally, the course allowed me to strengthen my techniques, especially through drilling and staying disciplined. Street contacts and the feedback received further encouraged me to push my comfort zones. The phone call session and Stairway to Eloquence were also beneficial. Overall, the course was hugely beneficial, and I hope to attend another one soon.
Brandon Ward Walsh
McGuire Programme Member
I thought the course was well-organized and the explanations were concise and understandable. The CI and CII were friendly and approachable. The course helped me get back to basics and I can already see the difference. The timing of public speaking was good, ensuring new students completed their contacts before their speeches.
David McNally
McGuire Programme Member
The course was very well structured, with concise explanations and great discipline in the room. Witnessing the transformation of new students from nervous and anxious to believing in themselves within three days was inspiring. The support and encouragement from coaches and graduates make the McGuire Programme truly amazing.
Mary Moorehead
McGuire Programme Member
The course was very beneficial for me. Being from Newry, it was convenient, and I found it great to have an in-person course again. The positive and influential environment pushed me to try my best, step out of my comfort zone, and meet new people. The support network provided by the coaches and graduates is truly amazing.
Dylan Wharton
McGuire Programme Member
That was one of the best courses I have attended. The well-organized split sessions were beneficial, and it’s great to be back to physical courses. Kudos to the session leaders. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience.
Eddie Spiers
McGuire Programme Member
I really enjoyed the course in Galway. The relaxed atmosphere and the presence of the instructing team, especially the young instruction team, added to the experience. It’s inspiring to see the transformation of new students and to be able to support and push them. For me, it was a great opportunity to work on my own speech and be a confident example to the new students. The course provided a focused environment to improve myself.
Brian Dempsey
McGuire Programme Member
The course was a great boost for my self-confidence and a reminder that we are not alone on this journey. It was fulfilling to give back to the new students by offering encouragement and guidance. Making new friends and reconnecting with old ones added to the experience. The stories shared during the course created a strong connection among all participants.
Stuart Fedigan
McGuire Programme Member
The course was amazing for me. It felt powerful to be back in the lines and fighting against my stutter. Maintaining my speech techniques and helping younger students build a good foundation brought me great satisfaction. Stutterers helping stutterers is an incredible experience.
Ciaran McGonagle
McGuire Programme Member
The course was great, despite the long and intense hours. The environment was enjoyable, although I hope the windows won’t be left open next time. Attending the course renewed my enthusiasm for working on my speech and seeing the progress of the new students reminded me of my own journey. The face-to-face contacts were extremely helpful as well.
Emmanuel Ohaa
McGuire Programme Member
This course was different from my first one, but equally enjoyable. I was able to relax and enjoy it more since I knew what to expect. Meeting other graduates and participating in the Harrison Workshops added to the experience. The psychological aspect of the course was most beneficial for me, helping me accept myself as someone challenged by stuttering. The support from the coaches, especially the course instructors, was immense.
Cian Buckley
McGuire Programme Member
I enjoyed getting back to basics and practicing my technique on the course. The split sessions were enjoyable and the topics covered were beneficial to me. Doing contacts in Galway gave me the push and confidence I needed for upcoming university presentations.
Keela O’Neill
McGuire Programme Member
Coming back to the program after some time, this course made it easier for me to fit back in. The calm atmosphere in the room was great. Street contacts and the positive feedback I received made me feel great. The Harrison Workshops reminded me that speaking can be fun while using my technique. I feel so positive and have been using Deliberate Dysfluency with my family and friends since returning home.
Dominic Sutton
McGuire Programme Member
The Cork course was very beneficial for me after a long break from in-person courses. Getting back into drilling aspects and seeing my growth since my last course was empowering. Running a split session boosted my confidence, and all the new students received a strong start. I enjoyed the entire course from start to finish.
Michelle Ryan
McGuire Programme Member
The course was personally beneficial. Cormac did an excellent job as CI, creating a supportive atmosphere. The split sessions allowed grads to open up and share their stories, receiving support from everyone. Getting back to basics was crucial for me, and a one-to-one session with Ed Spiers helped me focus on the basic cycle. Thank you, Joe, for everything you do, and congratulations to Cormac and Megan for their fantastic work.
Simon Crawford
McGuire Programme Member
The course was extremely well organized, and Patrick did a fantastic job as an instructor. Megan and Maritza, the course interns, also did great. Being my first time attending a Cork course, I enjoyed the location of the hotel for contacts. The grad split sessions were enjoyable and informative. The course has given me the boost I needed to continue working on my speech and make the most of the McGuire support.
Victoria Prior
McGuire Programme Member
Even though I could only attend from Friday evening onwards, I enjoyed every minute of the course. It was great to be back in a physical course and meet new and familiar faces. The split sessions, especially Georgia’s session on the stairway, were fantastic with their honesty. The course came at the right time for me, bringing me back into McGuire mode and helping me regain control of my speech.
Shannen McEwen
McGuire Programme Member
The course was fantastic and rekindled my commitment to continuously working on my speech. The inspiration from others and Cormac’s session on losing and regaining it were very insightful. I have no complaints about the well-run course.
Colm Norris
McGuire Programme Member
I really enjoyed the course, my first in-person one, and it benefited me greatly. Meeting the members I had been in contact with over the phone was a nice experience. Giving back to the course as a Harrison coach and drilling with the new students also improved my own speech. Thanks to Joe, Patrick, Megan, and Maritza for organizing a beneficial and fun course.
Tom Foley
McGuire Programme Member
Attending the course to improve my speech and public speaking was intense but enjoyable. I feel it will benefit me going forward. The main benefits I got were coastal breathing and slowing down, which helps with my covert stammer.
Niall Collins
McGuire Programme Member
The course was very beneficial and eye-opening. It provided a more personal experience due to the smaller numbers, allowing for better connections. I learned new information and outlooks on techniques in the split sessions. The course refreshed my understanding of the basic method of speech and when to use weapons. Thanks for everything!
Jack Kelleher
McGuire Programme Member
I enjoyed the course and felt a huge benefit from it. Attending the full course or two full days would have been even more beneficial for me. It gave me confidence and helped me start from scratch again.
Liam Murphy
McGuire Programme Member
The course was extremely beneficial, especially being physically surrounded by other grads and coaches. Going back to basics and being strict with my speech was the main benefit. Being involved in coaching and helping a new student was also a great experience. Thanks!
Maurice Mulhair
McGuire Programme Member
I enjoyed my second course, catching up with people from my first course and meeting new people. It gave me confidence, especially in drilling my name using the weapons. The breakout sessions for grads were well-executed and boosted confidence with interaction. More of these sessions could be beneficial.
Donnacha Cosgrave
McGuire Programme Member
The course in Ireland was incredible, and I’ll definitely be returning. The commitment and progress of the students were inspiring. The coaches and grads were supportive and welcoming. Sharon’s instruction was exceptional. The 1:1 support from Mary Moorehead was beneficial, and the opportunity to challenge myself by taking out a covert student for contacts was valuable. The enthusiasm and passion of new students and grads inspired me. The course has given me a burst of energy and determination. Thank you for a wonderful course!
Katie Toulmin
McGuire Programme Member
I really enjoyed the Galway course. The course instructors, Cormac and Megan did a fantastic job instructing. Thursday was tough as always with plenty of repetition and training. I found the day long with all the practicing but I know these long days are essential. All in all, it was a great couple of days, and it was great to see the new students find their voices.
Alan O Dwyer
McGuire Programme Member
Seeing the New Students on Wednesday evening brought me back to my own first-day video and I realise how far I’ve come with the help of the McGuire Programme. Attending this course reinforced my techniques and over the three days getting up on the floor to do a presentation really strengthened my belief in what time and effort can do. Looking at and listening to the New Students in their last-day videos, the transformation was amazing and the smiles on their faces said it all, a bright future ahead. Thanks to the McGuire Programme.
Noel Leader
McGuire Programme Member
The course was a great boost to my self-confidence and a reminder that I am not alone on this journey. It was great to be able to give something back to the program by helping and supporting the new students in terms of encouragement and guidance. It was also an opportunity to make new friends and reconnect with old ones. I found it really beneficial to hear other people’s stories and feel a real connection with every one of them.
Stuart Fedigan
McGuire Programme Member
The course was really good and I really enjoyed it as it really helped me a lot with my speech. I benefited greatly from the course and it brought up my motivation, a good restart for me. It also improved my peech a lot from practicing and repetition of all the McGuire techniques and fanataics for getting back into the right mindset.
Jamie
McGuire Programme Member
I really enjoyed the course in Galway. It was my first course to attend since covid started. I must compliment Cormac and Megan for all their hard work. It was truly inspiring to watch and be a part of it, from seeing the new students’ transformations in 3 days. I gained a lot more control and confidence in my speech even after being on the course for a few years. But it really opened my eyes to how important it is to keep the work up, use our techniques every hour every day, and also be our own coach. Thanks so much for giving me and all the other people who stammer a great chance to become more in control of our speech and live a happier life!
Alan O Dwyer
McGuire Programme Member
For me, this course was much different from my first course, which was only my first course. Since I knew what was going to happen, I was able to relax and enjoy it more. It was also great to meet other graduates from different parts of the country and from the online support group also. I also enjoyed the Harrison Drill much more this time around, who would have thought? For me, the most beneficial aspect for me was the psychological aspect of the course, really exaggerating my technique, and really using my deliberate dysfluency which helps me to accept myself as a person who is challenged by stuttering. Also, the support from the coaches was immense as always, especially from the course instructors Cormac and Megan.
Cian Buckley
McGuire Programme Member
I really enjoyed being able to get back to basics on the course and practice my technique. I found the split sessions really enjoyable and I found the topics in these beneficial to me. I loved doing street contacts in Galway, this course has really given me the push and confidence I needed with university presentations coming up.
Keela O’Neill
McGuire Programme Member
My experience doing my first course on the McGuire Programme, well where do I start, first of all, every member of the programme that I have met made me feel very welcome. The first day I arrived (Wednesday) I was so nervous not knowing what to expect then I met Joe and Cormac and they put me at ease to the point where I felt quite comfortable. I felt like I wasn’t able to do it, I was getting frustrated thinking I wasn’t able to do it but again everyone on the course reassured me that everything was going to be alright. Getting to know everyone and speaking to people that can relate to you was very good for me. Each day I gained more confidence and I’m very thankful for that. Overall, my experience was one of the hardest but most rewarding experiences I have ever done in my life. I want to do more courses now to become even more confident than I already am thanks to the McGuire Programme.
James Reilly
New Student November 2022
I joined the course to try and get control over my stammer. I have had my stammer my whole life and decided I have had my stammer long enough and wanted a change in how I speak. The course was brilliant, it improved my speech beyond what I had imagined possible before doing the course. It really gave me more control over my speech and I am now able to express myself the way I want to with control and the use of my newly learned techniques. The course was very beneficial, it has had a major immediate impact on not just my speech but also my confidence. This is only the beginning and I am hoping to benefit more from the course and the following support provided after the course.
Killian
New Student from November 2022
I enjoyed the course, very intensive and long days but I am so delighted and so worthwhile seeing my son Killian progress every day. It gave me the opportunity to have a good insight into the programme and it means so much as I can support Killian on his journey. I’m so proud of Killian’s progress, he has become so confident and he’s so dedicated to his coursework. One of the biggest things I noticed is how lovely, friendly and supportive everyone was on the course. They are such an inspiring group, and I wouldn’t have got the opportunity of meeting them all if Killian was older. A big thank you to Joe and your wonderful team of coaches for your dedication and continuous support. I’ll be forever grateful. One thing is for sure I know Killian’s speech won’t hold him back, he has got the weapons and confidence to do anything! The McGuire Programme has opened every door of opportunity for him.
Liam Walsh
Parent of U18 New Student Killian